He read it through thoughtfully, smiling a little at the finale.
"'Broke' would be better!—but, on the whole, I think it's a pretty useful epistle."
He fastened and sealed it carefully, then glanced at the clock and rang the bell.
"It ought to catch Mrs. Uniacke before Jill gets back from college."
An untidy maid answered the summons, thrusting her head round the door, with a soiled collar, elaborate hair and a certain pretty anæmic fairness.
"Well—what now, Mr. Stephen?"
"Come here, Letty." He beckoned to her. "Would you like to do something for me?" He smiled, laying a hand on her arm. The girl coloured at his touch.
"You're always wantin' somethin'," she said.
"And get it sometimes—eh, Letty? There—don't be cross! Give us a kiss..."
But she drew herself away from him with a toss of her averted head.