"When did you get it?" he said.
"Two or three days ago, I think. I can't remember. I can't remember anything now," Julian answered heavily.
"And you have had two since?"
"Yes. And to-day she called."
"You were out?"
"Yes."
"She shows herself very exigent all of a sudden. She is afraid of losing you. I told you long ago she cherished absurd ambitions with regard to you. Do you intend to answer her notes?"
"Oh yes," Julian said. "Cuckoo has always been very fond of me; very fond."
He glanced at the absurdly vulgar little bird in the corner of the letter. "And that's something," he added slowly.
"You are weighed down with gratitude? No wonder. Are you grateful to others who have always cared for you in a different way—unselfishly, that is?"