immensely readable short stories with a twist. I loved the four linked stories of the acquisitive Vera, always overspending her allowance and trying to find a solution. Also the tale of poor Horace, who feels himself to blame for his stepbrother's alleged illness, so that he is forever over compensating and being taken advantage of. Not forgetting 'the burglary' in which local dignitary Sir Jehoshaphat, having been awarded an extremely unflattering portrait of himself arranges to have it stolen...very enjoyable ( )