After closely examining her handiwork, Bella set down her pen and smiled . Then, she held the note at arm's length and scanned the words a second time. It was exactly what she wanted to say:
Quote:
Dear Inn Guests and Fellow Residents of Hobbiton and Bywater,
Miz Bella Tūk, recently returned from extensive travels to all corners of Arda, wishes to announce the opening of a dame school for lads and lasses at the Green Dragon Inn. This school provides both rudimentary and advanced training in reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic. Hobbit geneology and the natural history of the Shire will be included at no extra charge as well as a brief overview of Elven lore and tales of sea voyages and dragons.
Additionally, Miz Tūk is available to tutor those of more advanced years who prefer to carry on their studies in private. Lessons in wood and stone carving are also available.
In addition to Shire coinage, Miz Tūk accepts payment in the form of eggs and other farm produce as well as useful services that can be tendered to her. Please apply to Miz Tūk, #12 Green Dragon Inn, Hobbiton-Bywater Road.
Bella Tūk, daughter of the late Hildifons Tūk who was formerly of Tūkborough
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Bella had written out two identical papers. Her intention was to post one in the Common Room this evening while the other would be tacked up in a suitable public place the next day, perhaps a fencepost or gate that stood along the road that ran between Hobbiton and Bywater. Then she would have to wait and see what kind of response she would get.
Bella had already informed the serving girl who'd come to her chamber a few moments before that she planned to take her evening meal in the Common Room, and would be there shortly. She'd left a personal note of thanks on the table for Cook who had made such a generous loan of her personal quarters. Bella did not want to cause her any more inconvenience by overstaying her visit. She'd already brought her clothes and books over to her new chambers so that she would be able to sleep there tonight. Gathering up the last of her meager belongings and stuffing these into a canvas sack, she opened the door and headed down to the far end of the hallway towards a room where she could hear many voices and catch the sweet aroma of an assortment of dinner dishes.