The answer came that they would prefer not to go away until the middle of July, as a friend was about to visit them, whom they hoped to keep for two or three weeks.

Disappointed at the delay, Dymchurch tried to settle down to his books; but books had lost their savour.

He was consumed by dreary indolence.
Then came a note from Mrs.Toplady.He knew the writing, and opened the envelope with a petulant grimace, muttering "No, no, no!" "Dear Lord Dymchurch," wrote his correspondent, "I wonder whether you are going to the performance of 'As You Like It' at Lady Honeybourne's on the 24th?
It promises to be very good.

If only they have fine weather, the play will be a real delight in that exquisite Surrey woodland.

I do so hope we may meet you there.