s, no accident happening, to-morrow, a little before
two. We hope to dine with you, and to go on in the evening to the
next town, for our time is short. I have sent a fine haunch of
venison which I bought yesterday from the innkeeper where we
slept; it will be just fit for dressing to-morrow; so I shall be
obliged to Mrs. Fairchild to order her cook to roast it by two
o'clock, which is my dinner-hour. My man Thomas, who brings this
letter, will tell the cook how I like to have my venison dressed;
and he brings a pot of currant jelly, to make sauce, in case you
should have none by you; though I dare say this precaution is not
necessary, as Mrs. Fairchild, no doubt, has all these things by
her. I am not particular about my eating; but I should be obliged
to you if you would have the venison ready by two o'clock, and let
Thomas direct your cook. My wife and sister and daughter Betsy
send best compliments to our old friend, Mrs. Fairchild, and
hoping we shall meet in health to-morrow,

"I remain, dear Mr. Fairchild,
"Your old friend,
"OBADIAH CROSBIE.

"P.S.--You will find the haunch excellent; we dined upon the neck
yesterday, and it was the best I ever tasted."

When Mr. Fairchild had finished the letter, he smiled, and said:

"I shall be very glad to see our old friends, but I am sorry poor Mr.
Crosbie still thinks so much about eating. It always was his besetting
sin, and it seems to have grown stronger upon him as he has got older."

"Who is Mr. Crosbie, papa?" said Lucy.

"Mr. Crosbie, my dear," said Mr. Fairchild, "lives in London. He has a
large fortune which he got in trade. He has given up business some
years, and now lives upon his fortune. When your mamma and I were in
London, twelve years ago, we were at Mr. Crosbie's house, where we
were very kindly treated; therefore we must do the best we can to
receive Mr. and Mrs. Crosbie kindly, and to make them as comfortable as
possible."

When John went to church that same evening, Mr. Fairchild desired him
to tell nurse to come the next day to help Betty, for nurse was a very
good cook; and the next morning Mrs. Fairchild prepared everything to
receive Mr. and Mrs. Crosbie; and Mr. Fairchild invited Mr. Somers, the
clergyman of the parish, to meet them at dinner. When the clock struck
one, Mrs. Fairchild dressed herself and the children, and then went
into a littl