/**
  *  Return the (horizontal) kerning values for a pair of characters
  *  @params string $ch1 the left characcter
  *  @params string $ch2 the right character
  * @param bool use_font_size default false -- 
  *  @returns float the kerning value or null if none is found
  */
 public function getKerningValue($ch1, $ch2, $use_font_size = false)
 {
     if ($this->direction != -1) {
         return $this->font_metrics[$this->direction]->getKerningValue($ch1, $ch2, $use_font_size);
     } else {
         return parent::getKerningValue($ch1, $ch2, $use_font_size);
     }
 }