Mr. Roundjacket was astounded at finding such savage ignorance in his
companion;--he revolved in his mind the means of enlightening Verty,
in vain.

At last he placed the end of his ruler upon his waistcoat, and said,
mysteriously:

"Do you see me?"

"Yes," replied Verty.

"Well, sir, I made love to a young woman when I was six."

Verty looked interested.

"At twelve I had already had my heart broken three times," continued
Mr. Roundjacket; "and now, sir, I make it a point to pay my
addresses--yes, to proceed to the last word, the 'will you,'
namely,--once, at least, a year."

Verty replied that this was very kind in Mr. Roundjacket, and then
rising, stretched himself, and took up his bow.

"I feel very tired," he said, "I wish I was in the woods."

And Verty turned his back on Mr. Roundjacket, strolled to the door,
and leaning on his bow, gazed languidly out upon the busy street.

He presented a strange appearance there, at the door of the dingy
office, in the middle of the busy and thriving town. He seemed to have