She usually made her appearance in the large parlor soon after breakfast; and to dance her for a few moments in our arms was one of the first daily duties of each one.

Then the morning reports began to arrive from the different outposts,--a mounted officer or courier coming in from each place, dismounting at the door, and clattering in with jingling arms and spurs, each a new excitement for Annie.

She usually got some attention from any officer who came, receiving with her wonted dignity any daring caress.

When the messengers had ceased to be interesting, there were always the horses to look at, held or tethered under the trees beside the sunny _piazza_.

After the various couriers had been received, other messengers would be despatched to the town, seven miles away, and Baby had all the excitement of their mounting and departure.