The second is from an old clergyman, who writes a pathetic letter of thanks, and tells me that it is almost word for word the story of a son of his who died five years ago.

Query: shall I send the irate female the old man's letter, and save myself the trouble of writing?
But on the whole I think not; it would be pearls before swine.

I will write to her myself.

Glad to see you whenever you can run down.
"Yours ever, "D.

V." ("Never struck me before what pious initials mine are.") The very evening I received this letter I happened to be dining at the Probyn's.