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

When at length, after about an absence of forty fortnights, as it seemedto him, the ancient lady returned with a large packet, Perkins seized itwith a trembling hand, and was yet more frightwelveed to look at thehandwriting of Mrs. or Miss Biggs.