(17) Does he squint? (This has often been a trial to me.) (18) His wife ditto? (19) Is he active, industrious, enthusiastic and an early riser, good-natured, equable and obliging? (20) His wife ditto, and _no gossip_? (21) Is he a heavy smoker? (22) His wife ditto? (23) Is he well up to the culture of vegetables, the upraising of flowers and the education of fruit, both outside and under glass? (24) Is he capable of feeding hens, driving a motor, overhauling a pianola, carving or waiting at table if required? (25) To what Church do they belong? What are their favourite recreations? Do they sing in the choir? if so, is he tenor or baritone; his wife ditto? (26) Are they on good terms with each other, and _no domestic bickering_? (27) What wages did you pay him? (28) Why (on earth) did you part with him? An immediate answer will greatly oblige. I enclose an addressed envelope. I am, Your obedient Servant, JULIUS PITHERBY. LETTER II. _Myself to Julius Pitherby, Esq., Manor Orange, Pimhaven._ DEAR SIR,--I thank you for your letter. The answers to questions (1), (2), (25), (27) and (28) are in the affirmative. With regard to the others you have, no doubt unwittingly, put me in rather a dilemma. You see, Anderson left my service when he was sixteen and I have not heard of him since, though it is true that I did see his father (who belongs to this neighbourhood) on the roof of the church one day last month. I might make shots at them, of course, but I dare say it is better to leave it. I am interested to learn that Henry is married. I am, Yours faithfully, &c. LETTER III. _Myself to Henry Anderson, c/o Ezekiel Anderson, Slater, Crashie, Howe._ MY DEAR HENRY,--I do not think if I were you I should accept Mr. Julius Pitherby's offer of a job. Your marriage may, of course, have been--I hope it was--the occasion of your turning over a new leaf. Still, I doubt if you are quite the paragon he is looking for, and I am afraid that you may find him a little inquisitive. I am, Yours faithfully, &c. * * * * * ONCE UPON A TIME. THE POWER OF THE PRESS.