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,