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Dear Mary

Dear Mary: How do I empty a chamberpot without my hosts noticing?

Plus: Gifts in the post that never arrive; speakerphone therapy

9 November 2013

9:00 AM

9 November 2013

9:00 AM

Q. One of our daughter’s godmothers has given very generous presents but never with any regularity. She was unable to attend the recent 18th birthday party but said on the telephone she hoped our daughter would like the present she was sending. No present has arrived. What is the protocol re thanking for something which has not turned up but may have been lost in the proverbial post? Or indeed, the absent-minded godmother may have forgotten to buy or post?
— Name and address withheld

A.

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