This naturally occupied some time, and then there was the second verse:-- "The March winds blow, I watch her go, Her eye is blue and clear; Her cheek is brown And soft as down To those who see it near.
Hey! Dolly! Ho! Dolly! Dolly shall be mine, Before the spray is white with May Or blooms the eglantine." After this singing-lesson was over it was nearly eleven o'clock, but up to this time Edgar had shown no realizing sense of his engagements.
"The dinner is over, and the theatre party is safe," thought Polly.
"Now comes the 'tug of war,' that mysterious game of billiards." But Mrs.Oliver was equal to the occasion.

When Edgar looked at his watch, she said: "Polly, run and get Mrs.Noble's last letter, dear;" and then, when she was alone with Edgar, "My dear boy, I have a favor to ask of you, and you must be quite frank if it is not convenient for you to grant it.

As to-morrow will be Saturday, perhaps you have no recitations, and if not, would it trouble you too much to stay here all night and attend to something for me in the morning?
I will explain the matter, and then you can answer me more decidedly.

I have received a letter from a Washington friend who seems to think it possible that a pension may be granted to me.

He sends a letter of introduction to General M------, at the Presidio, who, he says, knew Colonel Oliver, and will be able to advise me in the matter.