I am 18 years of age, and beg to enclose stamp for a reply to this address.
"Yours truly,-- "Reginald Cruden." He was not altogether pleased with this letter, but it would have to do.
If he had had any idea what the advertiser wanted intelligent young men for, he might have been able to state his qualifications better.

But what was the use of saying "I think I shall suit you," when possibly he might not suit after all?
He addressed the letter carefully, and wrote "private and confidential" on the envelope; and then walked out to post it, just in time, after doing so, to meet his mother and Horace returning from their excursion.
"Well, Reg, have you written your letter ?" said his mother, cheerily.
"Was it to some old schoolfellow ?" "No, mother," said Reginald, in a tone which meant, "I would rather you did not ask me." And Mrs Cruden did not ask.
"I think," said she, as they stopped at their door--"I almost think, boys, we ought to return the Shucklefords' call.

It's only nine o'clock.

We might go in for a few minutes.

I know you don't care about it; but we must not be rude, you know.