Dear Violet,

I heard a story once about a white rabbit who, upon determining that he had no patience to continue as the hat trick for the famed magician Cicero, decided to take a position as the court musician to the King of the Gnomes. In that venture, he had no success, for the King’s Courtiers all insisted that the King of the Gnomes only hired magicians whose reputation, good or bad, preceded them with rather more spirit than the actual presence of the person whose reputation it was. Those with the understanding of the magic of notoriety may or may not recognize the wisdom shown by the King of the Gnomes in adopting this custom. And so intent upon that posting, the white rabbit decided upon a course of action that would, he hoped, bring to life a reputation for him of such liveliness that he almost would not need to do any magic ever again. For that purpose, the white rabbit announced on the empty stage of the rundown, but still legendary, Battery Theatre his intention to enter into a duel of magicianship with his old owner and master, Cicero.

How the story proceeds from there I am not sure if I remember, and I shall need to do further researches before I continue.

I have not yet had the good fortune to listen to any of the music you suggested, but I have made note of it all, and I have a plan to enter into that research before the end of this week. I thank you for your inquiry on the matter.

You are well, I trust? I hope that you are.

I hope that this finds you how it is leaving me: Rather less inclined to be impressed with avocados than yesterday.

Regards,

— Oliver