Dear old Boy,—The A.S.M. told me to-day that our backers won't look at farce, though the chief simply loves yours. So I'm afraid we can only say better luck next time.
Yours disappointed,
B.B.
From Basil Vyne-Petherington to G. Sheridan Smith, five weeks later.
Dear Sir,—Sir James Benfield has been interested to learn that you have written a comedy of topical interest, called (he understands) The Munitioneer. Should you care to forward it for his consideration he would be pleased to read it, and, if suitable, to arrange for its production at this theatre.
Faithfully yours,
BASIL VYNE-PETHERINGTON,
Secretary.
From G. Sheridan Smith, in reply. A telegram.
Where did you get a name like that?