The mound is
levelled, the wall foundations have disappeared, and so have the
diggers. I am afraid the Society are now awaiting your return to
give them a lead. My grounds, alas, have produced nothing beyond the
two denarii.
Yours sincerely,
ARCHIBALD C. KNOTT.
_[Extract.]_
DEAR BOY,--Your mother and I are delighted that you will be demobbed
in about a week from now.... By the way you will be glad to hear
that we can start making that second tennis-court in the paddock as
soon as you get back. I have had the remains of what was known as
Knott's Folly in your great-grandfather's day removed, at a total
cost of two denarii (which had been lying in a drawer in my
dressing-room for years); not so bad, considering the present cost
of labour. But of this more anon.
Your affectionate
FATHER.
* * * * *
A CRICKET BARGAIN.
_(Before the match.)_
We meet as foes, my James, this summer weather,
But sterner summers saw us twain in league;
Shoulder to shoulder have we stood together
On Q.M.S. fatigue.
So, when (ninth wicket down) to-day I enter
Upon my tenure of the crease and gaze
Nervously at you, having taken centre,
Remember bygone days.
Pages:
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40