CHAPTER XXIV.
READING UNDER DIFFICULTIES.
On reaching home, Fletcher looked over his "Speaker," and selected three poems which he thought he could read with best effect.

The selection made, he sat down to his desk, and wrote a reply to the invitation, as follows:-- "MISS PAULINE CLINTON: I hasten to acknowledge your polite invitation to occupy twenty minutes in reading choice selections at your approaching Fair.

I have paid much attention to reading, and hope to be able to give pleasure to the large numbers who will doubtless honor the occasion with their presence.

I have selected three poems,--Poe's Raven, the Battle of Ivry, by Macaulay, and Marco Bozarris, by Halleck.

I shall be much pleased if my humble efforts add _eclat_ to the occasion.
"Yours, very respectfully, "FITZGERALD FLETCHER." "There," said Fletcher, reading his letter through with satisfaction.
"I think that will do.