The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-11-26
CHAPTER VII.

Barrett. ....'
CHAPTER VII. t
THE TAILOR's SON. .
The glances bestowed by the two
young men upon each other were any
thing but friendly. Crosby got up, bowed
stiffly to Humphrey, and stood with his
arms folded and his head slightly bent.
Humphrey stared, frowned, took the
nearest chair, and sat Ticking his boots
with his riding-whip. He looked a fine,
broad-shouldered fellow, with ruddy,
healthy color from his ride in the cold.
His first greeting of Sir George had been
rather eager, with a sort of cordial respect
in it; but cloud Immediately came
over his face at the confused air of the
two men who received him; for Sir
George felt himself in false position,
and in consequence of this his manner
was both awkward and dry. There was
minute of total silence.
"You did me the honor of saying that
| might call on you to-day" said Hum
phrey at last.
II did," answered Sir George.
Humphrey looked at him, and then at
Crosby, with rising anger. What did
Sir George mean by letting that insolent
ass of an aid-de-camp stay in the room at
such an interview as this, when he was
to have Letitia's answer? Well, what
ever it meant, he could soon have his re-
venge.
Should I offend you, sir" he said, "by
asking for few minutes of private con-
versation? We shall discuss our business
better without third person-if Captain
Crosby will pardon the re mark"
As he spoke he gave Crosby look
which was quite insulting in its naughty
dislike.
"Mr. Humphrey Barrett is under a
slight mistake" said Crosby, quietly,
though his eyes flashed. "Would it not
be best, sir, that he should know the
whole truth"
"No quarreling, gentlemen" said Sir
George, cor I shall know how to settle
the affair at once, without regard for
either of you. Now we had better talk
this over in friendly spirit. Since /
saw you yesterday, Mr.. Barrett, have
made discovery-not altogether pleas
ant one to you or to me. "a You have
done me the honor to make proposals foI
my daughter. l have to tell you that
she does not receive them very favorably
and find that the reason Of this is al
attachment between her and Captain
Crosby"
can acquaintance of three daysW sale
Humphrey, coloring crimson, with al
attempt at a smile. "Let me offer my
congratulations, Sir George. Your son
in-law would be an ornament to any fam
| lily. Pity his own is not more worthy o1
him-and of such marriage"
"Sir" exclaimed Crosby, with sud
den step forward.
Humphrey got up and turned towards
the door. He was smiling more, while
Crosby looked furious.
"You will answer this insult to me,
said the young officer.
"By no MEANS" said Humphrey. Z"
only fight with gentlemen"
Sir George listened to this outburst
with CONSERVATION in his face.
just then there was little noise in thu
hall outside. ~
| 81 will then. You may come too i
you like" said Letitia; and she opened
the hbrary-door, and walked in
followed with some hesitation by
Mrs. Bushe, flushed and fearful.
Everybody was silent when she came
in. Crosby's face softened; Humphrey
smile died.away, and look of deep angel
and disappointment succeeded it. Sil
George came forward, took his daughter
hand, and held it with unusual kindness
of manner.
care these gentlemen quarreling
papag" said Letitia, looking round witt
her bright blue eyes. .
''Do you think yourself small treas
ure, to be given up without a word? ?
said Humphrey, with such fierce mean
ing in his eyes as they met hers that sh'
was obliged to look away. The shrinkin.
dislike, so evident in her manner
brought sudden look Of rage into hi
face. .f5
Then Captain Crosby came forwar'
graveIy, and said:
"In the presence of these ladies, sill
will you be good enough to explain you
words just now?' aa sa
| yna -,