This simple and indeed apparently necessary question hit Cai between wind and water.
"I want it written in the first person, of course—if that's what you mean?"
Again Mr Benny nodded, "I see," said he. "You're here on behalf of a friend, who is too bashful to come on his own account."
"You may put it at that," agreed Cai, greatly relieved. "I told you the case was a bit out o' the common!"
Mr Benny's smile was still strictly professional. "It's not outside of my experience, sir; so far, at any rate. May I take your friend to be of your own age, more or less?"
Cai nodded. "You're pretty quick at guessin', I must say."
"A trifle rusty, I fear, for want of practice. . . . But it will come back. . . Now for the lady. Spinster or widow?"
"Does that matter?"
"It helps, in a letter."
"We'll put it, then, as she's a widow."