"That's a name though," said Alice, "and you got it out of 'Stalky,' too. Go on, Oswald."
So Oswald went on where he had been interrupted:
"Maidstone Society of Antiquaries and Field Club,
"Aug. 14, 1900.
"Dear Sir,—At a meeting of the Committee of this Society it was agreed that a field day should be held on Aug. 20, when the Society proposes to visit the interesting church of Ivybridge and also the Roman remains in the vicinity. Our president, Mr. Longchamps, F.R.S., has obtained permission to open a barrow in the Three Trees pasture. We venture to ask whether you would allow the members of the Society to walk through your grounds and to inspect—from without, of course—your beautiful house, which is, as you are doubtless aware, of great historic interest, having been for some years the residence of the celebrated Sir Thomas Wyatt.—I am, dear Sir, yours faithfully,
"Edward K. Turnbull (Hon. Sec.)."
"Just so," said Albert's uncle; "well, shall we permit the eye of the Maidstone Antiquities to profane these sacred solitudes, and the foot of the Field Club to kick up a dust on our gravel?"
"Our gravel is all grass," H. O. said. And the girls said, "Oh, do let them come!" It was Alice who said:
"Why not ask them to tea? They'll be very tired coming all the way from Maidstone."