May 29th.
　　"It is really most annoying," said old Mr. Treves, "For twenty-five years now I have been to the Marine¹ Hotel at Leahead - and now, would you believe it, the whole place is being pulled down. Widening the front or some nonsense of that kind. Why they can't let these seaside places alone - Leahead always had a peculiar² charm of its own - Regency - pure Regency."Rufus Lord said consolingly: "Still, there are other places to stay there, I suppose?""I really don't feel, I can go to Leahead at all. At the Marine, Mrs. Mackay understood my requirements perfectly³. I had the same rooms every year - and there was hardly ever a change in the service. And the cooking was excellent -quite excellent.""What about trying Saltcreek? There's rather a nice old-fashioned hotel there. The Balmoral Court. Tell you who keeps it. Couple of the name of Rogers. She used be cook to old Lord Mounthead - he had the best dinners in London. She married the butler and they run this hotel now. It sounds to me just your kind of place. Quiet - none of these jazz bands - and first-class cooking and service.""It's an idea - it's certainly an idea. Is there a sheltered terrace?""Yes - a covered-in verandah and a terrace beyond. You can get sun or shade as you prefer. I can give you some introductions in the neighbourhood, too, if you like. There's old Lady Tressilian - she lives almost next door. A charming house and she herself is a delightful⁴ woman in spite of bring very much of an invalid⁵.""The judge's widow, do you mean?" "That's it.""I used to know Matthew Tressilian, and I think I've met her. A charming woman - though, of course, that's a long time ago. Saltcreek is near St. Loo, isn't it? I've several friends in that part of the world. Do you know, I really think Saltcreek is a very good idea? I shall write and get particulars. The middle of August is when I wish to go there - the middle of August to the middle of September. There is a garage for the car, I suppose? And my chauffeur⁶?""Oh, yes. It's

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