Tales of St. Austin's Read online

  VIII

  From Richard Venables, of St Austin's, to his father Major-General SirEverard Venables, V.C., K.C.M.G.:

  Dear Father--Uncle John writes, in answer to my apology, to say that noapologies will meet the case; and that he has given his nomination inthat rotten City firm of his to a fellow called Mortimer. But rather adecent thing has happened. There is a chap here I know pretty well, whois the son of Lord Marmaduke Twistleton, and it appears that the dookhimself was down watching the Rugborough match, and liked my batting.He came and talked to me after the match, and asked me what I was goingto do when I left, and I said I wasn't certain, and he said that, if Ihadn't anything better on, he could give me a place on his estate up inScotland, as a sort of land-agent, as he wanted a chap who could playcricket, because he was keen on the game himself, and always had a lotgoing on in the summer up there. So he says that, if I go up to the'Varsity for three years, he can guarantee me the place when I comedown, with a jolly good screw and a ripping open-air life, with lots ofriding, and so on, which is just what I've always wanted. So, can I?It's the sort of opportunity that won't occur again, and you know youalways said the only reason I couldn't go up to the 'Varsity was, thatit would be a waste of time. But in this case, you see, it won't,because he wants me to go, and guarantees me the place when I comedown. It'll be awfully fine, if I may. I hope you'll see it.--Youraffectionate son, _Dick_

  PS.--I think he's writing to you. He asked your address. I think UncleJohn's a rotter. I sent him a rattling fine apology, and this is how hetreats it. But it'll be all right if you like this land-agent idea. Ifyou like, you might wire your answer.

  IX

  Telegram from Major-General Sir Everard Venables, V.C., K.C.M.G., tohis son Richard Venables, of St Austin's:

  Venables, St Austin's. Very well.--_Venables_