Dora made no reply; and, while Karl still waited for one the
staircase-door opened softly, and Kitty appeared.

"The child is fast asleep," said she: "so I thought I would come
down and hear the letter."

"What letter?" asked Karl a little impatiently.

"Oh! I haven't told you. Here it is."

And Dora drew from her pocket, and held toward him, a large white
envelope, boldly directed to "Miss DORA DARLING, care of Capt.
Charles Windsor"

"That's nonsense. I have beaten my sword into a ploughshare now, and
am only plain mister," said Capt. Karl, glancing at the direction.

"Well, read the letter, do; I'm dying to hear it," said Kitty
impatiently; and her brother, with an affectation of extreme haste,
unfolded the thick, large sheet of note-paper and read aloud:--

"Having been requested to communicate with Miss Darling upon a
matter of importance, Mr. Thomas Burroughs will do himself the honor
of calling upon her, probably in the afternoon of Thursday, Aug. 25.

"CINCINNATI, Aug. 20."

"Thursday, 25th! Why, that is to-morrow!" exclaimed Karl, as he
finished reading.