DEAR PETHERTON,--Your letters, on the contrary, are a positive delight
to me. One of the reasons why I should not like to interfere is the
feeling that it might put an end to our correspondence.
Personally I cannot visualize the spectacle of similar familiarity
between any of the major members of our respective households.
I myself passed your man this evening as I was on my way to the
Vicarage, and at the moment he was in mild dalliance with our
housemaid. I say mild because they were only arm-in-arm. On my return
about an hour later I passed George again, and it is true that this
time he was with our parlour-maid, and had his arm round her waist as
you describe.
There is no doubt that the young man has a penchant for my staff, but
so far no Government secrets have reached my ears, and no details of
your personal doings, past, present or future.
"Carry on" is the motto of the day, so why not let well alone? Were
you never a young man?
Ever yours,
HARRY FORDYCE.