18 chengtu roadmay 12, 1999my dear harold,i have just received your letter telling me of your recent marriage. this happy event in your life prompts me to reply at once; and, in my own peculiar way , to attempt to offer you my hearty congratulations and good wishes.sometimes the question is asked: ¡°who is to be congratulated more, the lady or the gentleman?¡± in this case i would unhesitatingly answer both. there is an ol d sa ying: ¡°true marriages are made in heaven.¡± i hope this is so in your case, and consequently, there will be on lookingª²back with regret for either of you.before going further, please let me sincerely wish that peace, health, happiness , and prosperity may attend both your wife and yourself until the end. and now w hat can i or shall i say further? you know i have not as yet had much experience in hymeneal affairs, but i am a student; hence i read and observe, a nd endeavour to bring reason to bear upon earthly problems. it seems to me that co nnubial bliss, excellent and essential , is by no means the only requirement. th ere is the great question of parentage. in this connection, i think it imperativ e that the character and physique of both father and mother should be as perfect as possible for scientific authorities assert that sons partake of the individu ality of the father , and daughters that of the mother. i must say no more , or you will conclude that i am a scientific man before my time.with renewed good wishes, and kindest regards to you and your spouse.believe me£¬yours very sincerely,jimmie.