Читать книгу The Forsyte Saga онлайн

253 страница из 340

When he had finished he went slowly back to his office, with bent head, taking no notice of the swarming thousands on the pavements, who in their turn took no notice of him.

The evening post carried the following reply to Bosinney:

“FORSYTE, BUSTARD AND FORSYTE,

“Commissioners for Oaths,

“92001, BRANCH LANE, POULTRY, E.C.,

“May 17, 1887.

“DEAR BOSINNEY,

“I have, received your letter, the terms of which not a little surprise me. I was under the impression that you had, and have had all along, a “free hand”; for I do not recollect that any suggestions I have been so unfortunate as to make have met with your approval. In giving you, in accordance with your request, this “free hand,” I wish you to clearly understand that the total cost of the house as handed over to me completely decorated, inclusive of your fee (as arranged between us), must not exceed twelve thousand pounds—£12,000. This gives you an ample margin, and, as you know, is far more than I originally contemplated.

“I am,

“Yours truly,