Autograph letter signed : Denmark Hill, to Mrs. Gray, [1848] May 12.

Saying she must not think that he has forgotten Perth: since returning, he has had many pressing letters to write. But he must hasten to answer for Effie the notes she received today from her mother and George. He can only urge her to believe that he has not forgotten them and their wishes. But George's success and Effie's happiness would be threatened if his father got the slightest idea that the Grays were even unconsciously using his affection for Effie to obtain advantages from or, through him, undue influence over his father. In time his parents will discover more and more that Effie deserves the best affection he and they can give, that his happiness is involved with hers and secured by her, and then they will naturally "wish to show you their sense of this by every means in their power." At present, however, they would consider anything he asked "prompted by the excitement of strong--and perhaps transitory feeling." To use his influence now "would be the surest way to diminish it." Mrs. Gray must trust his desire to render her duty as a son and to show that Effie's happiness is his principal object, though it grieves him to have to send an answer that looks formal, evasive, unkind, though it is the simple truth which must be spoken. George must not lose courage or patience; above all, must not suspect that the gaieties of London make him unmindful of his interests. Here there is "nothing" he enjoys "except the society of your daughter in our home," and so he is not likely to forget her brother. Only "for her sake" does he go into society at all--to his "infinite annoyance," except for his pleasure in seeing her admired, and happy with all, which "more than rewards me for my own discomforts and discomfitures." She has been to two parties; more invitations come fast; he is "delighted to see how quietly and gracefully she receives all marks of attention and admiration." He, however, cares less for this London society than for that which "she can command afterwards in quiet country houses among good people." He hopes to take her to Oxford this summer to visit the Aclands. Mrs. Gray should answer this letter to Effie. They are "much concerned to hear of the illnesses of my little brothers and sisters." Give all, "and especially George, my kindest love."