Starr. He went down to his work now, after he had
gathered up the rest of the money and the keys, and
answered yesterday's letters.
Then, of course, he could loiter over his breakfast.
But not too long. Clara, his wife, was in good
spirits, and the boys were very jolly, but Mr. Starr, all
the same, did the duty next his hand. He "kissed her
good-by," and started down-town. Edgar stopped, him to
ask for fifty cents for his lunch; the postman wanted
fifteen for an underpaid parcel; Susan, the maid, asked
for ten for some extra milk; and then he kissed his hand
to the parlor window, and was off.
No! He was not off.
For Clara threw up the window and waved her lily
hand. Mr. Starr ran back to the door. She flung it
open.
"My dear John, here is your best coat. That coat you
have on has a frayed button. I saw it yesterday, and I
cannot bear to have you wear it at the Board."
"Dear Clara, what a saint you are!" One more kiss,
and Mr. Starr departed.
And loyally he did the duty next his hand. He
stopped and signed the sewerage petition; he looked in on
poor Colt and said a cheerful word to him; he bade
Woolley, the fruit man, send a barrel of Nonesuches to
old Mrs. Cowen; he was on time at the Board meeting, took
the chair, and they changed the constitution. He looked
in at the office and told Mr.
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