“You never come down without suggesting something that goes counter to my scheme. I have here three letters from you, each of which recommends an article I should never dream of putting in. I had your father here yesterday afternoon, who made further valuable suggestions.

“Please make up your mind, therefore, whether you want me to decorate for you, or to retire which on the whole I should prefer to do.

“But understand that, if I decorate, I decorate alone, without interference of any sort.

“If I do the thing, I will do it thoroughly, but I must have a free hand.