JOHN INGERFIELD AND OTHER STORIES




Contents

To the Gentle Reader
In Remembrance of John Ingerfield and of Anne, his Wife
The Woman of the Saeter
Variety Patter
Silhouettes
The Lease of the "Cross Keys"



TO THE GENTLE READER;
also
TO THE GENTLE CRITIC.


Once upon a time, I wrote a little story of a woman who was crushed
to death by a python. A day or two after its publication, a friend
stopped me in the street. "Charming little story of yours," he
said," that about the woman and the snake; but it's not as funny as
some of your things!" The next week, a newspaper, referring to the
tale, remarked, "We have heard the incident related before with
infinitely greater humour."

With this--and many similar experiences--in mind, I wish distinctly