a sort of military smartness, his
shabby hat was set on with a kind of jaunty air, and his bushy whiskers,
combed and frizzed out with care, seemed a species of protest against
being thought as humble as certain details of dress might bespeak
him. At his side stood a young girl, so like him that a mere glance
proclaimed her to be his daughter; and although in her appearance, also,
narrow means stood confessed, there was an unmistakable something in her
calm, quiet features and her patient expression that declared she bore
her lot with a noble and high-hearted courage.

"One trial more, Bella, and I 'll give it up," cried he, angrily, as,
seizing the knocker, he shook the strong door with the rapping, while
he jingled the bell with equal violence. "If they don't come now, it is
because they 've seen who it is, or, maybe----"

"There, see, papa, there's a window opening above," said the girl,
stepping out into the rain as she spoke.

"What d' ye mean,--do ye want to break in the door?" cried a harsh
voice, as the wizened, hag-like face of a very dirty old woman appeared
from the third story.

"I want to know if Mr. Davenport Dunn is at home," cried the man.

"He is not; he 's abroad,--in France."

"When is he expected back?" asked he again.

"Maybe in a week, maybe in three weeks."

"Have any letters come for Mr. Kellett--Captain Kel-lett?" said he,
quickly correcting himself.

"No!"

And a bang of the window, as the head was withdrawn, finished the
colloquy.

"That's pretty conclusive, any way, Bella," said he, with an attempt to
laugh. "I suppose there's no use in staying here longer. Poor child,"
added he, as he watched her preparations against the storm, "you 'll be
wet to the skin! I think we must take a car,--eh, Bella? I _will_ take
a car." And he put an emphasis on the word that sounded like a firm
resolve.

"No, no, papa; neither of us ever feared rain."

"And, by George! it can't spoil our clothes, Bella," said he, laughing
with a degree of jocularity that sounded astonishing, even to himself;
for he quickly added, "But I _will_ have a car; wait a moment here,
under the porch, and I 'll get one."

And before she could interpose a word, he was off and away, at a speed
that showed the vigor of a younger man.

"It won't do, Bella," he said, as he came back again; "there's only one
fellow on the stand, and he 'll not go under half a crown. I pushed
him hard for one-and-sixpence, but he 'd not he