The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-08-05

obstruction in carrying out any of hi
theories into action and reality-intG
useful everyday working order.
In due time a fly from the railway
one of those dirty hired carriages which
are the disgrace of England, deposited
Miss Arnold and her luggage at the dool
of General Melwyn's handsome mansion
of the Hazels, and all in due form and
order she was introduced into the dining
room. 1t was between six and seven
o'clock in the evening when she entered
the very handsomely furnished apartment
where, over half-and-half sort of fire,
it having been rather warm February
day, sat the general and his lady.
Lettice was tired, heated, and red with
the jumbling of the railway, the bother
at the station, and the knocking
about of the very uneasy carriage in
which she had come up; and she left in
that disagreeable sort of a journey dis
order of toilette, which makes people
feel and look so awkward. But she put
the best face upon the matter, and enter
ing, made a very respectful courtesy to
Mrs. Melvyn, who met her holding out
her hand; and with her face and appear
ance Lettice felt charmed in moment.
Mrs. Melwyn, who did not want penetra-
tion, saw that in Lottice, spite of her
present appearance, which she was sure she
should like very much. Not so the gen
eral. He was perfect fool of the eye,
as military men are too apt to be. What
ever was awkward or addressed, was per-
fectly abhorrent to him; and he took a
dislike to "the creature" the moment he
cast his eye upon her.
1t seemed but an unpromising begin
ming.
The heart of poor Lettice sank within
her in way she was not accustomed to,
as the general, in a very pettish mood
stirred the fire, and said, "NNhen are we
to have dinner, Mrs. Melwyn? What
are we waiting for? Will you never
teach that cook of yours to be pune
tual?"
at is not her fault, indeed" was the
answer, in a low, timid voice; 81 VEN
tured to order dinner to be put off half
an hour to suit the railway time"
The general was too well-bred to utter
what he very plainly looked, that to have
been thus kept waiting for Miss Arnold
he thought a very unwarrantable pro-
ceeding, indeed.
He Stirred up the fire with addition
al vigor, made it blaze freely, then COM
planned of these abominable Goals, which
burned like touchwood, and had no heat
in them, and wondered whether Mrs.
Melwyn;would ever have. the energy to or
dersea-borne coal, as he had desired; and
then, casting a most ungrlcious look at
the newcomer, who stood during this
scene, feeling shocked and uncomfortable
to q degree, he asked Mrs. Melwyn chow
long she intended to keepthe young lady
standing there before she dressed for din
ner" and suggested the housemaid
should be sent for to show her to her
room.
81 will take that office upon myself"
said Mrs. Melwyn. Come, Miss Arnold,
you will follow mew And lighting Il
candle, for it was now dark, she proceed
ed toward the door.
"For heavens sake, don't be longw
said her husband in an irritable tone;
"Its striking six and three quarters, Is
dinner to be upon the table at seven
o'clock, or is it mott?
"Punctually."
"Then, Miss-Miss-I beg your pardon
and Mrs. Melwyn, | hope you will
be ready to take your usual place at
table"
no RE CONTINUED,