Dearest Pearl,

Oh yes, the mole servers were quite cunning. Linguini, you know, has a very theatrical - even operatic - sense of scene. I am lucky to have him in my service! And you, Dear. I am lucky to have you as my closest and oldest friend. You are always so wise and quickly able to to choose just the right saying for any situation. Take imitation, for example. You are saying it is the sincerest form of flattery. And yet, consider Aesop's The Raven and the Swan: "A Raven, which you know is black as coal, was envious of the Swan, because her feathers were as white as the purest snow. The foolish bird got the idea that if he lived like the Swan, swimming and diving all day long and eating the weeds and plants that grow in the water, his feathers would turn white like the Swan's. So he left his home in the woods and fields and flew down to live on the lakes and in the marshes. But though he washed and washed all day long, almost drowning himself at it, his feathers remained as black as ever. And as the water weeds he ate did not agree with him, he got thinner and thinner, and at last he died."

The moral? "A change of habits will not alter nature." You see what I mean, Pearl? If we were to listen to just any old saying, none of us would be imitating anyone or anything for fear of starving to death. You are indeed a treasure to all of us dear, wise, Pearl.

I Remain As Always,
Your Devoted Miss Blue