LETTERS TO MARCO 



XXVI 



the brute creation. One of my lady friends, 

 hearing of this drake's bereavement, presented 

 me with a beautiful young duck, which was 

 duly introduced to the old drake. Then a 



Rosie and the Drake. 



curious scene took place ; the drake at once 

 left Rosie and ran to meet the duck with the 

 greatest delight and eagerness, standing by 

 her with fondness and affection. I must here 

 say that this drake was very dirty in his 

 habits, never using a little pond I had made 



