The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-11-20
or two bold but shivering robins came
hopping on the windew-sill.

some crumbs" said Letitia, who had
quite recovered her usual good temper.
The idea of Humphrey Barrett was too
absurdly impossible to bear the light of
day.
"Keep to your writing for the present."
said Sir George. II want those copies as
soon as possible"
Presently, having finished another let
ter, he laid his pen down and leaned back
for minute.
"Imagine a military secgstary, or an
aide-de-camp, leaving his work to feed
robin redbreasts!" he said, with good
humored smile.
II don't believe that women do their
work less we'll than men, because they
are little soft-hearted and can't endure
to see birds starving in the cold," said
Letitia.
"There is a time for everything" an
swered Sir George.
at must seem rather strange to you,
papa, to have me working with you in
stead of Captain Crosby" said Letitia,
after few minutes Of dlligent scratch
ing.
~ feel like a man who has lost his
right arm," said Sir George, thoughtful
ly. "Ver." grateful for your help, Lefty,
all the same"
''You like him very much, then, papa?"
"He has been extremely useful 20 me.
He has head, which is more than can
be said of most young fellows. He will
get on. The Duke has noriced him sew
eral times. Yes, / value Crosby, in spite
of his faults"
"What are his faults?"
"Being an Irish adventurer, with all
the absurdities of his nation, and nothing
in the world but his pay"
"OhW said Letitia with slight tone
of satisfaction which Sir George did not
notice. If it had struck him, and reused
any train Of thought, this story would
most likely never have been written.
'He is The most hastv-tempered fellow
l ever met WITH" he went on. "A few
weeks ago he turned off man for robbing
him, without any evidence of the fact.
All he told me was, that the rascal had a
villainous face, and he could believe any
thing of him. Now that is not justice,
and l told Crosby so."
II should have agreed with him, most
likely" said Letitia. Peoples faces
generally tell the truth"
"fhat is a very juvenile doctrine"
said Sir George, smiling.
After another short silence Letitia
looked up again.
"Where is Captain Crosby now, papaf
in London?'
eyes; left him at the hotel"
"Was he going home for New Years
Day"
"Home, home" repeated Sir George,
with a letter in his hand. "Crosby?
Why, no. He has no home, I suppose.
He is an Irishnan."
"But he has home in IrelandF'
II never heard of it. He appears to
to have no relationsor connec tions of any
kind. An adventurer-he has TO carve
his fortune for himself"
"Poor manP' said Letitia. "And yet
he is gentleman?"
10 be sure" said Sir George.
For the last few minutes his manner
had been very absent, and he now began
to frown, to mutter, and to twist the let
ter he held backwards and forwards.
"This must be explained. I have GER
tainly mislaid my last letter. Confound
1T! what is the use of trying to do bus
mess without Crosby! The communities
ton was made to him, too. This is most
vexatiOusp'
"What is it, papaT'
Business connected with the regi-
ment."
Sir George gave no further explana-
nation, bnt got up, pushing his chair
back SO hurriedly that the robins few away
in fright. He walked once OF twice up
and down the room, and then stopped by
the table.
mind, Letitia, I will have no unneces-
sary fuss. But tell me, honestly, would
it by great disturbance to Florinda to
have bed made up in some small room
for CrosbyH He is soldier, like myself;
he wants no luxuries. But I can not
settle this affair without him."
Lelitia answered gravely that she had
no doubt cousin Florinda would be hap
py to receive Captain Crosby, or any
friend of her papa's.
every well," said Sir George. "No
extra trouble must be given in the house.
l will write to Crosby at once, and send
the letter by an express messenger. He
will be here Tomorrow"
He sat down again at the table. ,,..
"Papa," said Letitia, when the letter
was half written, "excuse me, shall YOU
take him to the ball? If 80, you had bet
ter tell him to bring his Uniform" So 2.
~ suppo5e they will be glad to see
him?' ssid Sir George, doublfully.
30 fancy the delight Of The Miss Bar
retts! A new partner, and an officer
toop Nasl {ol
Every true, poor girls. And Crosby
is an agreeable fellow" said Sir George,
SO suspiciously that Letitia was ashamed
of herself.
A man and horse were sent off to Lon
don through the snow. u.
Miss Monkton, in high spirits. tried on
her dress and ornaments, and figured
before the glass in her own room. till