have heard a rather disquieting rumour about you from a mutual friend,
and shall be glad if you will kindly write to me upon receipt of this
letter and inform me if there is any truth in the allegation that you
are constantly seen in the company of a certain actress. I hardly
think this can be so, as you well know my dislike of the stage and
anything appertaining thereto. My health is greatly improved by my
visit here, and all being well I shall probably risk making the return
voyage after Christmas. Upon second consideration, I shall be glad if
you will cable your reply to me, as the mail takes six weeks, as you
know.--Your affectionate brother.


Jimmy crushed the letter in his hand.

"Damned old idiot!" he said under his breath. He got up, and began
striding about the room angrily. The tassels of his dressing-gown
swung wildly at each agitated step; the big carpet slippers he wore
flapped ungracefully.

"Confounded old fathead."

Jimmy was flushed, and his eyes sparkled. He ran his fingers through
his hair, making it stand on end. After a few strides he felt better.
He went back to the armchair and took up his brother's letter once more.

After a moment he laughed, rather a sore laugh, as if something in the
stilted wording of the letter hurt him.

What would he not have given now to be able to cable back: