thought that he might venture a guess, which, if it succeeded, would
redound greatly to the credit of his learning, and, which, if it
failed, could entail on him no other harm than the laugh of Felix.
Assuming, therefore, a knowing look, he said:

"Dat is berry easy to read. Any man wid any larning at all, can see
de billet is intend for Missa Judge Bernard." He saw by the distended
eyes of Mr. Qui that his guess had struck the mark, and fearful of
being requested to decipher the other superscriptions, hastily added:

"But what for I stop here, wasting my precious time, and keeping
you from doing you master's arrant? I hab de honor to wish you good
marning, Missa Qui." So saying, Primus turned round and stumped
off half a dozen steps, before the bewildered Felix recovered his
faculties.

"Stop, General," at last exclaimed Felix, as soon as he regained his
speech, running after him and taking hold of his arm, "allow me, a
word with you"

"I is berry busy dis marning," cried Primus, struggling to get free;
"Missa Pownal want my sarvices; de doctor is anxious to insult wid me;
and de 'Piscopal minister hab someting 'portant to communicate."

"I inspect he want you to write the Thanksgiving sermon," said Felix,
grinning. "But, General, I have really an invite for you. I forgot to
write the note before I leave home, and so you must, 'scuse the want
of style. I have the honor to ask you, General, to take your dinner,
on that glorious day, with Miss Rosa and I."