powder._

_I have been receiving seventy-two pounds per annum, but since, if I
come to you, I may bring my dog with me, I shall be content with a much
lower wage._

_The dog in question--a Sealyham--is now recovering from distemper, and
will not be fit to travel for another week, by which time I shall be
ready to enter your service._

_Should you desire to see me, I will come for an interview at your
convenience._

_I enclose a stamped addressed envelope, and shall be very grateful if
you will inform me without delay if you are already suited._

_I am, Sir (or Madam),
Yours obediently,
A. LYVEDEN._

_Sunday, July 25th._

That he was an ex-officer, Lyveden deliberately omitted to mention;
that he was a gentleman, he trusted that his style and handwriting
would suggest. Had it been possible, he would have applied in person,
not of self-confidence, but because he could have made plain one point,
at any rate, upon which in a letter he feared to insist. This was that
to have his dog with him he was willing to do his work for a shilling a
day.

It was not until after his tea that Anthony fair-copied his letter.
When it was signed and sealed, he slid it into a pocket and, telling
the mistress of the inn that he would like his supper at eight, took up
his hat from the settle and strolled out into the sweet-scented lanes.

Half a mile distant a pillar of lichened bricks stood by itself at a
corner where two ways met. Here was enshrined a miniature once-red
door--a toy of a door, to gladden a child's heart and set his fancies
whirling, and be remembered, with another half-dozen of trifles, so
long as he lived. A slot in the door received His Majesty's mails.
Anthony, who had used the box before, strolled leisurely in its
direction, and, as he went, contemplated, first, the sweetness of
emancipation, and, secondly, the drawbacks of having but four pounds
seven shillings and a penny between himself and thraldom.

A painstaking adder of figures, I have audited the gentleman's accounts
and found them correct to the farthing. He must pay for his terrier's
sickness and have four guineas in hand against the dog's board and
lodging, in case, after all, he was to stay at the Dogs' Home. For a
shilling he gave to a beggar, because he was poorer than himself, I can
find no receipt, but hope it is filed in heaven. An eight-shilling
meal stands out, among eightpenny teas, as a rare extravagance....

Lyv