Chapter V

_The Laurels,
Putney Heath, S. W.
November 9._

DEAR SIR,

I have received your estimate for the new conservatory; I have
figured it out and undoubtedly you will lose upon the contract.
I therefore accept it without reserve and beg you to begin work
as soon as possible. I fully appreciate your motive in making
so extraordinary a bargain: you know that I shall make further
alterations to the house, and you hope by throwing away a sprat
to catch a whale. Do not imagine that I shall be misled in this
regard. The next alteration I have to make I will accept the
tender of some other builder as gullible as yourself, and so forth
to the end of the chapter. And I am,

Your obedient servant,
JOHN ROE.