The Other Side - J. D. Robb [63]
I implore you to help me, Mr. Cleland. Time is of the essence. Your kind and expeditious reply will be most appreciated by
Your humble servant,
(Miss) Angiolina Darlington
Post Office Box 127-B Boston, Mass.
June 16, 1895
Miss Angiolina Darlington
14 Lexington Street
Paulton, Mass.
Dear Miss Darlington,
Thank you for your kind letter. It is true that the particular services I am able to offer are much in demand, and only grow more numerous as time passes and human enlightenment expands. Ordinarily I would be unable to accommodate you on such short notice, but as it happens, I do find a small window of time has unexpectedly opened in my busy schedule.
As to recompense, my own needs are trivial—spartan—but my work is, as you say, so unique, so specialized , I am afraid I couldn’t think of offering it at a discount. Please see the attached re: the matter of my fee.
Certain we can come to an agreement in this matter, and looking forward to a productive and mutually satisfactory spirit enterprise, I remain
Very truly yours,
Henry Cleland
14 Lexington Street Paulton, Massachusetts
June 18, 1895
Mr. Henry Cleland
Post Office Box l27-B
Boston, Massachusetts
My dear Mr. Cleland,
Thank you so much for your prompt reply. Words cannot express how glad and grateful I am that you will be coming to Paulton, and not a minute too soon!
Alas, my personal circumstances are such that I am unable to offer you more than the amount mentioned in my last (see attached). But I have it on excellent authority (dear Mrs. Beckingham) that besides being brilliant in your unique field of endeavor, you are also a most kind, most generous person. I am praying that that generosity of spirit will impel you to help me, Mr. Cleland, for I desperately need your help!
Yours most sincerely,
Angiolina Darlington
Post Office Box 127-B Boston, Mass.
June 20, 1895
Miss Angiolina Darlington
14 Lexington Street
Paulton, Mass.
Dear Miss Darlington,
You are, of course, not aware that I am obliged to move about with an enormous amount of special scientific equipment, all of a very delicate nature. As a consequence, travel expenses alone take up the vast bulk of the modest sum I request (see attached) for my services. And then there are the extra requirements for the transport of Astra, a vital part of any investigation I perform.
Since I will be a newcomer, I rely on you solely in the matter of accommodations whilst I am in Paulton. (And I hope I need hardly mention that financial responsibility in that regard will be yours, not mine. But I am a very simple man, never fear, so I assure you that burden will be light.)
Thanking you for your kind consideration, I remain,
Yours,
Henry Cleland
14 Lexington Street Paulton, Massachusetts
June 22, 1895
Mr. Henry Cleland
Post Office Box l27-B
Boston, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Cleland,
It is so unpleasant to speak of financial matters, is it not? Especially when the “product” one is discussing is a matter as abstract and precious as the Truth itself!
And how dearly I wish it were in my power to come to terms with you in the matter of your quite reasonable request. But, tragically, it is not. Once again, I can only rely on your good nature, generosity, and the unquenchable intellectual and philosophical curiosity I am absolutely assured you possess, dear Mr. Cleland.
One good thing—perhaps you don’t own a map?—Paulton is just over half a day’s train ride from Boston, thus very economical. You’ll also be happy to know that, upon inquiry, I have learned that freight charges for passengers traveling on weekdays are extremely reasonable.
As to lodging, I’m sure you will find Mr. Smoak’s Boardinghouse for Gentlemen on Lexington Street will not overtax your pocketbook, especially for a man of such spartan tastes. It will be convenient also, being adjacent to my own rooms here in a similar establishment for ladies.
Looking forward with hope and eagerness