tter this morning (without actually asking for
permission), but I fear the worst. You had better get another man for
the Paddlewick match. So sorry.

Yours ever,
CHARLIE HOLCOMBE.

IV.

_Philip Renwick to Charles Holcombe._
X.Y.Z.
_10th August, 1914._

MY DEAR CHARLIE,--We shall be absolutely in the cart without you.
They've got an awfully hot fast bowler. Bartram now tells me he can't
possibly turn out, and you are the only really decent bat I know. We
simply _can't_ lose to Paddlewick again--we shall never hear the last of
it. (No one need know that you don't play regularly for Middlecombe.) Do
try your best, old man. Mightn't your Aunt Martha be seriously ill?

Yours ever, PHIL.

V.

_Charles Holcombe to Philip Renwick_
(_wire._)

Aunt Martha dying. All well. Boss absent Thursday, so can explain to him
afterwards. HOLCOMBE.

VI.

_Philip Renwick to Charles Holcombe_
(_wire._)

Good boy. Funeral 11.30. Train Paddington 10.5. Lunch 1.30. Draw 6.30.
PHILIP.

VII.

_Charles Holcombe to Philip Renwick._
Room 83, P.Q.R. Offices,
_14th August._

MY DEAR PHIL,--I regret that I was forced to leave somewhat hurriedly
after the game last night. I have nothing to add to what I told you at
lunch as to the identity of the Paddlewick Spofforth with my chief, of
whose sporting talent I was in ignorance. But if you should hear of a
good berth going anywhere I should be extraordinarily grateful.

Yours ever,
CHARLIE HOLCOMBE.

P.S.--It was doubly unfortunate (in a way) that I should have scored a
six and three fours in one over from his bowling.

* * * * *

OLD STYLE AND NEW.

I.--OLD STYLE.

_He._ Has anyone seen the paper?

_She._ I haven't.

_He._ Didn't it come this morning?

_She._ Very likely not. The boy often forgets it. You're the only person
who ever looks at it.

_He._ Well, I suppose I must wait till I get to the Club; but I dare say
there isn't anything that matters in it.

_Or_

_She._ Have you done with that paper, my dear?

_He._ Absolutely; there's nothing in it. There never is. I can't think
why we waste money in taking it.

_She._ Then perhaps I may have it for a pattern?

_He._ Why, certainly. I've no use for it.

II.--NEW STYLE.

_The whole family_ (all together).

{Has the paper come yet?
{What's the news?
{Where's the paper?
{What about Liege?
{I say, where's the pape