THE FLORAL TELEGRAPH. 79 
gourd. He had been six months at 
the Hall, and had got no farther 
than his admiration of Mistress Vi’s 
farthingale. 
“ About this time, the Earl wrote 
to his son, that he might be informed 
of the progress he was making with 
the lady : he answered thus: 
“ ‘ Honoured Parent, 
“ 4 1 have duly received your pre¬ 
sents. Touching your goodly advice 
that I should put my best foot for¬ 
ward, in the matter of courting Mis¬ 
tress Violetta Belamour, I humbly 
reply, that I know not yet which is 
my best foot, seeing that they are 
