letters he saw his name inscribed, followed by Esq., and below was written, By messenger. He tore the envelope open. At the head of the paper in one corner of the sheet he noted the Nattatorrini crest: a stork clutching a snake in one of its claws while he destroyed it with his beak, and the motto: Unguibus et Rostro. The lines which followed he read again and again:
My Dear Mr. Johns:
I am so sorry that I missed you today. I was out such a little while. I do not want to miss you next time and so I am suggesting an occasion when you may find me at home. If you have nothing better to do, drop in tomorrow evening after supper. Eight o'clock will not be too early. Hoping to see you then, I remain
very cordially yours,
Ella Nattatorrini.
