Sir, The words described by Mrs Smith as English are of various origins, Greek, Latin, Old French and one, I believe, is of Norwegian origin. Such borrowed words are in use in the various European languages, with varying spelling.
As I eat roast beef at my dinner during the festive season, I will not worry about the peculiar spelling of these words. That is, if there is go leor and maybe a little uisce beatha on the menu. - Yours, etc.,
Glenageary Woods,
Dun Laoghaire.