"Very offensive," he said.
Mrs. Avory handed it to Janet.
"Whoever can it be from?" Janet asked, turning it over and over. "The
postmark is Chiswick."
"A good way to find out," said Gregory, "is to open it."
Janet did so, and read it, laughing. "It's an attempt at a nasty letter
from William," she said. "He's pretending to be cross because Jack won.
Poor William! Listen:
DEAR LITTLE ONES,
"I hope you are having a good time in that stuffy caravan, and manage to
avoid blisters. I thought you would like to hear that father has given me
leave to go to Sheppey, and stay for three days with Mr. Fowler, who has
promised to take me up in an aeroplane. I am also to have riding-lessons,
and Aunt Mildred has promised me a pony, being so sorry to hear that I was
done out of the caravan trip by a fluke. Uncle Jim has sent me 5 pounds.
According to the papers the weather is going to break up directly. Your
affectionate and prosperous friend,
WILLIAM ROTHERAM.
Jack was speechless with fury. "The story-teller!" he cried.
But Mary laughed. "I think it's rather clever," she said. "It almost took
me in."
"Do you mean to say it's a good joke?" Jack asked.
"I think so," said Mary.
"I don't," said Jack.
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