Three days later I was in the act of fitting a new blade to my safety-razor, when Berry entered the room fully dressed.
"I'm just off," he said, "but you may as well see what you've done before I go."
"What d'you mean?" said I.
"Read that."
He handed me a letter. I laid down my instrument of torture and read as follows—
Sir,
I am directed by the Countess of Loganberry to acknowledge your communication of the 20th inst., and to say that she cannot recollect the inclusion of your name among those of the guests invited to assemble at Pride Langley the day after to-morrow.
In these circumstances I am to express the hope that you will not trouble to favour her with your attendance upon the 24th inst. or any other date, and that you will take immediate steps to prevent the dispatch of your luggage and of the four parasites, for which, should they arrive, she can accept no responsibility.
I am to add that the Countess is not interested in the acquisition of the animal to which you refer, or in the nature of the victuals with which it is your habit to console yourself of nights.