It was clear from the appearance of the handwriting, that it had been written by one of my closest companions at university, one Eleanor Smitt. I had sent not too long ago, a letter practically begging her for the equivalent of some 50 Dollars so that I may survive my current situation. I had felt awful asking her, as I had no desire to cause a rift between myself, and someone who I had held so close to my heart. It was only after i had heard the news that she ultimately had arrived at a suitor, and that the two of them had struck it rich when he, one A. Beuford, had found a vast gold mine in the outback, that I felt even remotely comfortable asking for a hand out.

Reading the letter, I found her to be still the woman I had held so dear, and yet, still, included in it was a most peculiar recommendation. It read.

Dear Julie,

I cannot tell you how deeply sorrowful I am about your current situation. It is simply horrid. As you have described it there appears to be not a single properly functioning mind amongst those publishing houses you have pursued, as someone who all of the best of us knew was gifted in literature, you stood leagues above the the rest. It would figure that those ignorant fools who surround you would not stand to allow a woman such as yourself the decency of ascending to the proper place in your desired order of things. I have enclosed the 50 dollars you've requested, and I've done more, I've directed a friend, a woman of even greater renown than myself to help in the publishing and influence of your manuscripts. I fear money is the only thing that will make this possible, and in this regard she is more capable than any man I have ever heard of, and all of the ones I have yet to know. As well her influence is unparalleled, and her mind quicker than any I have ever seen, with the exception, possibly of yourself. it would be most definitely wise to put your current manuscript in her wonderfully, dangerous, and capable hands. She has already set me up for life, independently of my soon to be husband, and I believe that she can do even further wonders for a woman as independent and equally capable as yourself. I have told her of your genius, and independent spirit. As I write this she has set off from Melbourne, and she is most earnest to meet you.

With love, your Special Friend always

Eleanor "Beuford" Smitt

p.s.

Wear your pants-suit.