The day after the little conference at John's, Felix had indeed received the following note: "DEAR FELIX: "When you go down to see old Tod, why not put up with us at Becket?
Any time will suit, and the car can take you over to Joyfields when you like.

Give the pen a rest.

Clara joins in hoping you'll come, and Mother is still here.

No use, I suppose, to ask Flora.
"Yours ever, "STANLEY." During the twenty years of his brother's sojourn there Felix had been down to Becket perhaps once a year, and latterly alone; for Flora, having accompanied him the first few times, had taken a firm stand.
"My dear," she said, "I feel all body there." Felix had rejoined: "No bad thing, once in a way." But Flora had remained firm.

Life was too short! She did not get on well with Clara.