"A. C."
Lastly, is not the following letter an exquisitely candid specimen of the proper art of "sponging"?
"Your Majesty,—
"As you are a friend of France, I propose to write to you as a friend; you will permit me to do so, I hope.
"The question is this: I have the greatest longing to set eyes on the sea; my husband has a few days' holiday in the course of October; I should like to make the most of it and to go away for a little while.
"Our means are very small indeed; my husband has only 105 francs a month; and I could not do what I wish without encroaching on my housekeeping money, which is calculated down to the last centime.
"I therefore remembered your generosity and thought that you might be touched by my request.
"You would not like a little Paris woman to be prevented from enjoying the sight of the sea which you have doubtless often admired.
"You are very fond of travelling; you will understand my curiosity.