A SOFT ANSWER.
(An Unpublished Letter to a Whisterical Wesleyan, which shows the infinite possibilities of historic parallels.)
Dear Sir,—I am much obliged to you for your letter, in which you call my attention to the widespread practice of whist-playing, and in particular to the deteriorating effect of threepenny points.
May I remind you of the fact, which I make no doubt you have temporarily overlooked, that John Wesley's favourite game was whist? Like John Wesley, I play whist, and I do not mind confessing that when I get a good hand I am none the worse pleased. Believe me, Yours faithfully,
R-s-b-ry.