. So I wrote:--

DEAR PETHERTON,--I have had such a treat to-day. I took one or two
things across to Miss Gore-Langley, who was unpacking your noble
contributions when I arrived. Talk about family histories; your
parcel spoke volumes.

I was frightfully interested in that brown bowler with the flat
brim, and those jam-pot collars. Parting with them must have been
such sweet sorrow.

I feel like bidding for some of your things, among which I also
noted an elegantly-worked pair of braces. With a little grafting
on to the remains of those I am now wearing, the result should be
something really serviceable. I don't mind confessing to you that
I simply can't bring my mind to buying any new wearing apparel
just now. I'd like the bowler too. It should help to keep the
birds from my vegetables, and incidentally the wolf from the door.
And seeing it fluttering in the breeze you would have a continual
reminder of your own salad days.

Surely the priceless family portrait in the Oxford oak frame got
into the parcel by mistake. I am expecting to acquire that for a
song, as it cannot be of interest except to one of the family, and
I should be glad to number it among my heirlooms.

Miss G.-L. is awfully braced with the haul, and asked me to thank
you, which is one of my objects in writing this.

Yours sincerely,

HARRY FORDYCE.

Petherton was breathing hard by this time, and let drive with:--

SIR,--It is like your confounded impertinence to overhaul the
few things I sent to Miss Gore-Langley, and had I known that you
would have had the opportunity of seeing what my wife insisted on
sending I should certainly not have permitted their despatch.

I have already told you what I think of your ridiculous claims to
kinship with my family, and shall undoubtedly try to thwart any
impudent attempts you may make to acquire my discarded belongings.
The photograph you mention was of course accidentally included in
the parcel, and I am sending for it.

Yours faithfully,

FREDERICK PETHERTON.

In the cause of charity I rushed over to the Dower House, and pointed
out to Miss Gore-Langley how she might swell the proceeds of the sale.
I then wrote thus to Petherton:--

DEAR OLD MAN,--Thanks for your jolly letter. I'm sorry to tell
you that Miss G.-L. holds very strong views on the subjec