that I graduated. Of course it's a pretty stiff price, but as you won't have to pay it you ought not to mind. Besides, dad, think of the pleasure to Ma and the girls to have one real Commencement in their lives. It's cheap all round.

[Pg 42]

Your affectionate son, Pierrepont.

Pierrepont

P.S. If my dream comes out and I get a diploma, I'll bring it home. It may be useful to you as a by-product. It's sheepskin, you know.

[Pg 43]

[Pg 43]

LETTER NO. IV.

[Pg 45]

[Pg 45]

LETTER No. IV.

From the Waldorf-Astoria, Pierrepont gives hisfather some inside information as to life and manners in New York andcites some experiences.

Waldorf-Astoria, June 30, 189—

Waldorf-Astoria

My Dear Father:

I used to think you had a strong sense of fun, but I am beginning to fear that long connection with such essentially un-humorous animals as hogs condemned to the guillotine, has dulled it. I say this because it is evident that you didn't take my little joke about wanting to go to Europe in the spirit I intended. The idea of suggesting to you, dear old practical pig-sticker that you are, that Europe was in it for a minute with a pork-packing house as a means of culture seemed so irresistibly comic to me that I thought you would roar with laughter also, and perhaps put another dollar on that eight per I am going to receive so soon. I can catch echoes of your roar even here, but I get no 

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