“Fasolacci.”
“P.S.—Overcome with shame for what I have written, I have been running after the messenger, in order to take the letter from him, but I could not catch him up. Heaven grant that something may happen to stop him, or this letter may get lost!”
The uncle was naturally touched; he considered the matter fully, and then replied as follows:—
“My Beloved Nephew,—Console yourself, and blush no longer. Providence has heard your prayers.
“The messenger lost your letter.
“Good-bye.
“Your affectionate uncle,
“Aristippo.”
A book-collector has just purchased, at an exorbitant price, a volume which, except its rarity, has no value whatever.
“It is very dear,” said a friend to him.