lroom piano
being practised late at night, as it is most disturbing when one has
friends.

II.

_7, Fotheringay Court Mansions, S.W. March 1st._

Mrs. Crichton presents her compliments to Mrs. Sleight-Spender and would
willingly oblige her, but having neither a schoolroom nor a piano in her
flat she finds a difficulty in doing so. Possibly if Mrs.
Sleight-Spender addressed her remonstrance to No. 12, she would discover
the cause of her complaint and might thereby earn the thanks of her
neighbours by inducing Mr. Bogloffsksy to practise less for his
concerts.

III.

_3, Fotheringay Court Mansions, S.W. March 2nd._

Dear Mr. BOGLOFFSKY,--Please forgive me for writing on the impulse of
the moment in this unconventional way, but I have only just discovered
that we are neighbours, for the Directory confirms what the unmistakable
tones of a certain piano had long led me to suspect.

Will you very kindly waive all ceremony and join us at a friendly little
dinner on the 10th, at 7.30?

Yours sincerely,

Editha Sleight-Spender.

IV.

_12, Fotheringay Court Mansions, S.W. March 2nd._

Dear MRS. SLEIGHT-SPENDER,--Your amiable letter leaves me nothing but
pleasure. My poor company shall be agreeable to join your hospitable
family.

With respect, I am, Yours sincere,

Serge Bogloffsky.

V.

_From Miss Isolt Sleight-Spender to Miss Marjorie Browne._

(Extract.)

... Oh, my dear, don't reproach me for not having run round. We are
simply off our heads. Bogloffsky--_the_ Bogloffsky--is coming to dinner
on Friday next, and the Mudder and I have been simply _tearing_. Even
the Sticklers have accepted, and we hope to get Sir Henry Say, as the
Dudder met him once at a City dinner. Of course _I_ shall have to play
something first. Pity me!....

VI.

_From Mrs. Sleight-Spender to Messrs. Rosewood and Sons. March. 3rd._

Mrs. Sleight-Spender requires the use of a _very_ good piano on the
10th. It must be a _grand_, as it is for Mr. Bogloffsky. Under the
circumstances Mrs. Sleight-Spender supposes there will be only a nominal
charge, if any.

VII.

_From Sir Henry Say to Cuthbert Haddington. March 11th._

My dear Bertie,--Last night I skimmed some of the cream of life, and
incidentally got an idea for a _lever de rideau_, of which I make you a
present.

Far be it from me to glean from the crop of trouble of a man whose salt
I have eaten, but the situation was a gift from the gods, which I will