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 'They all came to-day. I didn't show them to you before, as I didn't want to upset you before you had your tea.'

Easton drew the first letter from its envelope.

I have to remind you that the amount due from you as under, in respect of the above Rates, has not been paid, and to request that you will forward the same within Fourteen Days from this date.

You are hereby informed that after this notice no further call will be made, or intimation given, before legal proceedings are taken to enforce payment.

The second communication was dated from the office of the Assistant Overseer of the Poor. It was also a Final Notice, and was worded in almost exactly the same way as the other, the principal difference being that it was 'By order of the Overseers,' instead of 'The Council.' It demanded the sum of ₤1 1 5½ for Poor Rate within fourteen days, and threatened legal proceedings in default.

Easton laid this down and began to read the third letter:—

Mr ,

,

We have to remind you that three monthly payments of four shillings each (12s. in all) became due on the first of 43