'I haven't actually seen them myself,' said Mr Cardew Thompkins, 'but I think from the description of your requirements they are just what you need. Good-morning.'
If he had looked out of his office window a moment later he would have seen Ross and me with our handkerchiefs stuffed in our mouths fleeing down the road till we got round the corner out of sight.
'Oh,' sobbed Ross, 'do stop. I told you so, but it's worked better than I thought. Read this:—
'"St JULIANS.—Very desirable gentleman's country residence."'
'Oh, that won't do, Meg.'
'Why not? Sounds rather nice, I think.'
'Is Michael a very desirable gentleman?'
'Oh, I never notice those mistakes, or spelling ones, I wish I did; they're so amusing when you see them.'
'Can't think what they teach in girls' schools,' said Ross gloomily. 'Daddy used to groan about the bills, tons of extras too, and when it's all said and done you don't know the most elementary things.'
'Grammar,' I observed, 'is very difficult; some of the best people can't spell.'