On reaching the farm, Templeton found awaiting him a letter from his aunt, written in reply to one he had sent her more than a week before. She explained the long delay by the fact that the letter had pursued her through three counties.  "I am delighted to hear," she wrote, "that you have not yet spent _any_ of the money I sent you.  It shows great _strength of character_.  You will be pleased to hear that my lectures are a _great success_.  I expect to reach Polstead in about ten days, and I shall be so glad if you will do a little thing to prepare my way. My lectures are _thoroughly practical_; it is useless to talk about economical foods if the dear people cannot procure them.  I want you to see Mr. Philemon Noakes for me; he is the _principal tradesman_ in the village; and ask him if he will _very kindly_ lay in a stock of certain _cheap_ articles of which I will send you a list.  A personal interview is so much more satisfactory than a formal letter, and you will find Mr. Noakes a _very civil and obliging person_."