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en ill-written pages of manuscript from my table and, sitting down in a chair, deciphered them for what they were worth. Once or twice, whilst you read, you have fallen into silvery laughter.
Do you wonder that I treasure the sentences which drew forth such music?
This is my dedication.
As many as see you are glad of the sight. All who know you are proud of the honour. But the man whose efforts your mirth has commended is the proudest and happiest of the lot.
Need I say that your name is not Valerie? I think not. You will know whom I mean.
Most faithfully yours,
DORNFORD YATES.
Pau, November, 1920.
CONTENTS
I HOW WILL NOGGIN WAS FOOLED, AND BERRY RODE FORTH AGAINST HIS WILL
II HOW DAPHNE WROTE FOR ASSISTANCE, AND MR. HOLLY WAS OUTBID
III HOW A MAN MAY FOLLOW HIS OWN HAT, AND BERRY TOOK A LAMP IN HIS HAND
IV HOW NOBBY CAME TO SLEEP UPON MY BED, AND BERRY FELL AMONG THIEVES
V HOW JILL'S EDUCATION WAS IMPROVED, AND DAPHNE GAVE HER HUSBAND THE SLIP
VI HOW NOBBY ATTENDED A WEDDING, AND BERRY SPOKE NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH
VII HOW JONAH OBEYED HIS ORDERS, AND DAPHNE AND KATHARINE FESTIVAL BACKED THE SAME HORSE
VIII HOW JILL SLEPT UNDISTURBED, AND NOBBY ATTENDED CHURCH PARADE
IX HOW ADÈLE FESTE ARRIVED, AND MR. DUNKELSBAUM SUPPED WITH THE DEVIL
X HOW ADÈLE BROKE HER DREAM, AND VANDY PLEYDELL TOOK EXERCISE
XI HOW NOBBY MET BLUE BANDALA, AND ADÈLE GAVE JONAH A KISS
CHAPTER I
HOW WILL NOGGIN WAS FOOLED, AND BERRY RODE FORTH AGAINST HIS WILL.
"Who's going to church?" said Daphne, consulting her wrist-watch.
There was a profound silence.
My sister turned to Jill.
"Are you coming?" she said. "Berry and I are."
"I beg your pardon," said her husband.
"Of course you're