Patricia always prided herself on the business-like quality of her letters.
The second letter was to Miss Brent. It ran:—
"Dear Aunt adelaide,
"I have written to the editor of The Morning Post informing him that he must take such action as he sees fit against you for inserting your unauthorised statement that a marriage has been arranged between Lord Peter Bowen and me. It may interest you to know that the engagement has been broken off as a result of your impulsive and ill-advised action. Personally I think you have rather presumed on being my 'sole surviving relative.'
"Your affectionate niece,
The third letter was to Bowen.
"Dear Lord Peter,
"I have written to the editor of The Morning Post, asking him to contradict the inaccurate statement published in to-day's issue. I am consumed with humiliation that such a thing should have been sent to him by a relative of mine, more particularly by a 'sole surviving relative.' My aunt unfortunately epitomises in her personality all the least desirable characteristics to be found in relatives.
"I cannot tell you how sorry I am about—oh, everything! If you really want to save me