and yet fascinated the Professor of Psychology. By the time the assistants had come he had them in four heaps:—
- (1) Big-Wigs,
- (2) Money,
- (3) Refusals, and
- (4) (largest of all) Trash.
Then did he take it upon himself without leave to call out to the shorthand writer—
"First sentence—I hope you will excuse my dictating this letter—'The pressure of my correspondence during the last few days has been as you may imagine far too great, etc., etc.'"
It was a noble, rotund, convenient sentence. It had done work in its time. Higginson listened, more fascinated than ever.
"Thirty copies of that, please," said Babcock sharply. Then he condescended to explain.
"That 'll come after the 'Dear Sir or Madam.'"
Higginson nodded and added faintly—
"Or 'My Lady,' or whatever it may be."
"Yes," said Babcock, suddenly glancing at him with a gimlet look, "after the opening thing whatever it is, 'My Lord Duke, or My Lord Cardinal, Excellence, or My Lord Hell-to-Pay.'"
