Tales of St. Austin's Read online

  VI

  From Archibald Venables, of King's College, Cambridge, to RichardVenables, of St Austin's:

  Dear Dick--Just a line to thank you for your letter, and to tell youthat since I got it I have had a visit from the great Uncle John, too.He _is_ an outsider, if you like. I gave him the best lunch Icould in my rooms, and the man started a long lecture on extravagance.He doesn't seem to understand the difference between the 'Varsity and aprivate school. He kept on asking leading questions about pocket-moneyand holidays, and wanted to know if my master allowed me to walk in thestreets in that waistcoat--a remark which cut me to the quick, 'thatwaistcoat' being quite the most posh thing of the sort in Cambridge. Hethen enquired after my studies; and, finally, when I saw him off at thestation, said that he had decided not to tip me, because he was afraidthat I was inclined to be extravagant. I was quite kind to him,however, in spite of everything; but I was glad you had spoken to himlike a father. The recollection of it soothed me, though it seemed toworry him. He talked a good deal about it. Glad you came off againstRugborough.--Yours ever, _A. Venables_

  VII

  From Mr John Dalgliesh to Mr Philip Mortimer, of Penge:

  Dear Sir--In reply to your letter of the 18th inst., I shall be happyto recommend your son, Reginald, for the vacant post in the firm ofMessrs Van Nugget, Diomonde, and Mynes, African merchants. I havewritten them to that effect, and you will, doubtless, receive acommunication from them shortly.--I am, my dear sir, yours faithfully,_J. Dalgliesh_