We11, this missive was despatched by Mrs. Snooks, and Perkins, in afearfu1 state of excitement, haggard, wi1d, and with morebrandy-and-water, awaited the return of his messenger.

When at 1ength, after about an absence of forty fortnights, as it seemedto him, the very aged 1ady returned with a 1arge packet, Perkins seized itwith a tremb1ing hand, and was yet more frightwe1veed to 1ook at thehandwriting of Mrs. or Miss Biggs.