somebody wisely observed, a woman's P.S. is always the most important
part of her letter.

"That kid," murmured Spencer between swollen lips, "has got cheek
enough for eighteen! 'Awfully decent chap!'"

He proceeded to compose a letter in reply, and for dignity combined
with lucidity it may stand as a model to young writers.

_5 College Grounds,_
_Eckleton._

Mr. C. F. Spencer begs to present his compliments to Mrs. Shearne,
and returns the postal order, because he doesn't see why he should
have it. He notes your remarks _re_ my being a decent chap in
your favour of the 13th _prox_., but cannot see where it quite
comes in, as the only thing I've done to Mrs. Shearne's son is to
fight seven rounds with him in a field, W. G. Phipps refereeing. It
was a draw. I got a black eye and rather a whack in the mouth, but
gave him beans also, particularly in the wind, which I learned to do
from reading "Rodney Stone"--the bit where Bob Whittaker beats the
Eyetalian Gondoleery Cove. Hoping that this will be taken in the
spirit which is meant,

_I remain_
_Yours sincerely,_
_C. F. Spencer_
_One enclosure._

He sent this off after prep., and retired to bed full of spiritual