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 subject of
charitable donations, and you will have to go and bid for anything
you want back. I'm very keen on that photograph, if only for
the sake of your pose and the elastic-side boots you affected
at that period. Everyone here is quite excited at the idea of
having Cousin Fred's portrait among the family likenesses in the
dining-room, and its particular place on the wall is practically
decided upon.
I shall probably let the braces go if necessary, but I shall
contest the ownership of the bowler up to a point.
Why not have your revenge by buying one or two of my things? There
is a choice pair of cotton socks, marked T.W., that I once got
from the laundry by mistake; they are much too large for me, but
should fit you nicely. There's a footbath too. It leaks a bit, but
your scientific knowledge will enable you to put it right. It's
a grand thing to have in the house, in case of a sudden rush of
blood to the head.
Cheerio!
Yours ever,