"I really have got letters to write which must go by this post.
There's my cigar-case on the dressing-table." "I hope it will be long before I'm brought to such a state," said John, taking up the cigars in his hand.
"Let me have the case back," said Crosbie.
"A present from the little girl, I suppose ?" said John.

"All right, old fellow! you shall have it." "There would be a nice brother-in-law for a man," said Crosbie to himself, as the door closed behind the retreating scion of the de Courcy family.

And then, again, he took up his pen.

The letter must be written, and therefore he threw himself upon the table, resolved that the words should come and the paper be filled.
COURCY CASTLE, October, 186--.
DEAREST LILY,-- This is the first letter I ever wrote to you, except those little notes when I sent you my compliments discreetly, -- and it sounds so odd.

You will think that this does not come as soon as it should; but the truth is that after all I only got in here just before dinner yesterday.