The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-12-19

pened to me before in my life. don't
believe that it had ever happened to any
other person before in his life. Once l
had unfortunately mixed together two
letters-one to Fanny's papa, accepting
an invitation to dinner, and one to Fan
ny herself. The latter one, and the
much warmer one of the two, fell into
hands of Fanny's papa, for whom it was
not at all intended. 1t had the effect,
however, of bringing about an "eclair-
easement all round, and ended in our
becoming regularly engaged. That two
misdirected letters should come to me on
the same day was beyond any number of
Odds or any theory of premutations and
combinations; but that those two let
ters should have reference to the same
person appeared to be entirely opposed
to any doctrine of chances at all. How
ever, what happens is unexpected; andtI
thought of that extraordinary caleu-
lating machine of Mr.. Babbage's, which
| will give the same result in thousands
and thousands of times, and then, on the
ten thousand and first, give totally
different result.
was in fog, up tree, in balloon
Whatever it may be called. Still there
was decided clue to be found. If one
of the letters was to be laid aside as
practical joke or an insoluble problem,
as myth, as a fraud, there was this let
ter from the insurance Office, and that at
least could be cleared up. So, having to
go Citywards in the course of the after
noon l dropped in before four o'clock,
the hour of closing.
Mr.. FOrtescue, the actuary, received
me in his own room. Now and then,
l and this gentleman commingled in the
amenities of private life. l had Rus
sell-square connection, in which l often
met men of the City, and was particular
ly attentive to such as were learned in
the law. The Bar regulations lay down
a set of rules to prevent undue familiar
ity between solicitors and barristers
but those all disappear when once we
get our legs beneath the same mahogany.
At such dinners had l met the riendly
actuary; who was none the less friendly
because was rather heavily insured my
self, and knew lot of people who were
likely, at one time or another, to get
themselves insured. ...
"Look here, Mr.. Actuary," said, with
a laugh, presenting to him the open let
ter, "you are putting me on my promo
ton with vengeance. You have not
only presented me with wife, but you
have killed her off for me-"
He shook hands with me and examined
the letter.
"What stupid mistaken he ex-
claimed. "They have put foreign let
ter into your envelope, and have no
doubt put your letter into a foreign en-
velope. l must make inquiries. Just
look at this"
He put into my hand some publication
of the Statistical Society, which was,
doubtless, nice lively reading for actu.
aries, but less adapted for the taste of
the general public.
Presently he returned, bringing in a
culprit, who certainly looked exceedingly
foolish.
"Now, Mr.. Hill" he said, to a pleas
ant, engaging young fellow of about
nineteen, "this is pretty state of affairs!
What is to become of the Company, and
what is to become of yourself, if you are
not to be trusted to address a common
letter properly? l suppose that this is
about the most disgraceful thing which
has happened within living memory in
the City of London. If this happens
again, it will be reported to the Board
and if you get to the Board a second
time, you will have to carry your pranks
to some other Office, Mr.. Hill, If any
other Office is foolish enough to take YOU,
and give you the chance of muddling,
Mr.. Hill. Do you hear that, Mr.
Hillw
/ was quite sorry for the young man.
While this process Of official wigging was
going ON, he blushed the most ingenious
bushes Of youth and modesty. I has
tened to say that it was simply mistake
that might have happened to the best Of
us, and ventured to feel quite sure il
would not happen again.
II dare say, l dare sayW exclaimed
the acCuary, WIN all tne sarcasm WnlCE
the human voice is capable of throwing
into those few brief syllables.
The young fellow gave me grateful
look and was about to retire, when {
gesture frem the actuary stopped him.
cts all very we'll for this gentleman
to put in kind word for you, Hill, ant
it is kind in him to do SO. But prett,
we'll the only thing we ask Of our clerks
is to be accurate; and if clerk can't b.
J accurate he is no good to us, howeve
good he may be in some other line"
"What I say is the fact" continued
.. Mr.. Fortescue as Hill Withdrew. 'W
are very careful with our clerks. The!
t are generally nominated by our director
and shareholders, who give security fol
! them, and look after them pretty well
: 1t is not had thing Of them to put thei
feet safe on the first rung Of the Cit.
e ladder in place of this sort. But if
r fellows such a baby that he can't b
trusted to direct letter right, the soone
= he gets drowned the better all round
e The habit of accuracy is not too common
0 among young men, l assure YOU"
All this time T was glancing at tb