“But of course,” said Mrs. Tally, “although these are amusing and make the book such good reading, it’s the serious compliments we like the best. All comic wouldn’t do at all. Some people, indeed, actually dislike it. There were two lady artists here not long ago who asked me to remove the book from the room, as it was so vulgar. Fancy that—‘remove the book!’ No, it’s the serious things that do us the most good, of course. Like this, for instance”—and Mrs. Tally pointed to the following, one after the other:—
Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Flower, of Dunedin, N.Z., spent a week here very pleasantly in July. The cooking was excellent and everything was most comfortable. They hope to return on their next visit to the dear old country.
Comfortable rooms, good attendance, perfect cooking and the best of landladies. In short, a home from home.
H. A. Martin,
St. Swithin’s, Sydenham, S.E.
My daughter, Mrs. Crawley, and myself have spent a very agreeable week-end here and hope to come again.
J. Murray Phipps,
Member of the Committee of the Royal Musical Society.
We have received every kindness from Mrs. Tally and her very efficient staff.
Mr. and Mrs. J. Arbuthnot Gill,
Wood Dene, Pinner.
“Well,” said Mrs. Tally, “I must go now; but I’ll leave the book with you. And there’s an earlier volume if you like to see it. It’ll cheer you wonderfully, and you’ll just die of laughing.”
The honest kindly soul! There are moments when one is more ashamed of what is called culture than any one can ever be of ignorance.