"But without joking, though, how does she look?" asked George; while
Billy made a movement as if he would help the insolent puppy to find
his level.

"Well, now, old boy," returned Henry, "I'll tell you honestly, that
the last time I saw her, I was surprised to find how much she was
improved. She has swallowed those abominable teeth, or done something
with them, and is really quite decent looking. In short," he
continued, with a malicious leer at Billy, which made the blood tingle
to his finger's end, "In short, she'll do very well for a city buck
like me to play the mischief with for a summer or so, and then cast
off like an old coat."

There was a look in Billy's eye as Henry finished this speech which
decided that young man to make no further remarks concerning Mary, and
swaggering towards the door he added, "Well, Moreland, when will you
come round and take a horn of brandy? Let me know, and I'll have in
some of the bloods."

"Thank you," said George, "I never use the article."

"I beg your pardon," returned Henry, in a tone of mock humility. "I
remember now that you've taken to carrying a Prayer Book as big as an
old woman's moulding board, and manage to come out behind in the
service about three or four lines so as to be distinctly heard; but I
suppose you think it pleases the old gent your uncle, and that
furthers your cause with the daughter. By the way, present my
compliments to Miss Selden, and ask her if she has any word to send to
Chicopee, for I'll have to go there by and by, though I hate to
mightily, for it'll be just like the old man to put me through in the