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"'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester.

"'DEAR MISS HUNTER,-Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your

address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have

reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you

should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of

you. We are willing to give £ 30 a quarter, or £ 120 a year, so

as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which our fads

may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My wife is

fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would like you to

wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need not, however,

go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one belonging to

my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which would, I

should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting here or

there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that need

cause you no inconvenience.