of half an hour she read and addressed three letters, stamping two of
them. The first was to the editor of _The Morning Post_, and ran:--

"DEAR SIR,

"In your issue of to-day's date you make an announcement regarding a
marriage having been arranged between Lord Peter Bowen and myself,
which is entirely inaccurate.

"I am given to understand that this announcement was inserted on the
authority of my aunt, Miss Adelaide Brent, and I must leave you to take
what action you choose in relation to her. As for myself, I will ask
you to be so kind as to insert a contradiction of the statement in your
next issue.

"I am,
"Yours faithfully,
"PATRICIA BRENT."

Patricia always prided herself on the business-like quality of her
letters.

The second letter was to Miss Brent. It ran:--

"DEAR AUNT ADELAIDE,

"I have written to the editor of _The Morning Post_ informing him that
he must take such action as he sees fit against you for inserting your
unauthorised statement that a marriage has been arranged between Lord
Peter Bowen and me. It may interest you to know that the engagement
has been broken off as a result of your impulsive and ill-advised
action. Personally I think you have rather presumed on being my 'sole
surviving relative.'

"Your affectionate niece,
"PATRICIA."

The third letter was to Bowen.

"DEAR LORD PETER,

"I have written to the editor of _The Morning Post_, asking him to
contradict the inaccurate statement published in to-day's issue. I am
consumed with humiliation that such a thing should have been sent to
him by a relative of mine, more particularly by a 'sole surviving
relative.' My aunt unfortunately epitomises in her personality all the
least desirable characteristics to be found in relatives.

"I cannot tell you how sorry I am about--oh, everything! If you really
want to save me from feeling thoroughly ashamed of myself you will not
only forget me, but also a certain incident.

"You have done me a great honour, I know, and you will add to it a
great service if you will do as I ask and forget all about a folly that
I have had cause bitterly to regret.

"Please forgive me for not dining with you to-night and for breaking my
word; but I am feeling very unwell and tired and I have gone to bed.

"Yours sincerely,
"PATRICIA BRENT."

Patricia's plan was to post the letters to Aunt Adelaide and _The
Morning Post_, and leave the other with Gustave to be given t