My dear Enemy:
You disappeared so quickly this afternoon that I had no chance to thank
you, but the echoes of that discharge penetrated as far as my library.
Also, I have viewed the debris. What on earth did you do to poor Sterry?
Watching the purposeful set of your shoulders as you strode toward the
carriage house, I was filled with sudden compunction. I did not want the
man murdered, merely reasoned with. I am afraid you were a little harsh.
However, your technic seems to have been effective. Report says that he
has telephoned for a moving wagon and that Mrs. Sterry is even now on
her hands and knees ripping up the parlor carpet.
For this relief much thanks.
SALLIE McBRIDE.
April 26.
Dear Jervis:
Your vigorous telegram was, after all, not needed. Dr. Robin MacRae, who
is a grand PAWKY mon when it comes to a fight, accomplished the business
with beautiful directness. I was so bubbling with rage that immediately
after writing to you I called up the doctor on the telephone, and
rehearsed the whole business over again. Now, our Sandy, whatever his
failings (and he has them), does have an uncommon supply of common
sense. He knows how useful those gardens are going to be, and how worse
than useless Sterry was. Also says he, "The superintendent's authority
must be upheld." (That, incidentally, is beautiful, coming from him.)
But anyway, those were his words. And he hung up the receiver, cranked
up his car, and flew up here at lawless speed. He marched straight to
Sterry, impelled by a fine Scotch rage, and he discharged the man with
such vigor and precision, that the carriage house window was shattered
to fragments.
Since this morning at eleven, when Sterry's wagonload of furniture
rumbled out of the gates, a sweet peace has reigned over the J. G. H.
A man from the village is helping us out while we hopefully await the
farmer of our dreams.
I am sorry to have troubled you with our troubles. Tell Judy that she
owes me a letter, and won't hear from until she has paid it. Your ob'd't
servant,
S. McBRIDE.
Dear Judy:
In my letter of yesterday to Jervis I forgotted (Punch's word) to convey
to you our thanks for three tin bathtubs. The skyblue tub with poppies
on the side adds a particularly bright note to the nursery. I do love
presents for the babies that are too big to be swallowed.
You will be pleased to hear that our manual training is well under way.
The carpenter benches are being installed in the old primary room,
and until our schoolhouse gets its new addition, our primary class
is meeting on the front porch, in accordance with Miss Matthew's able
suggestion.