amiable pride than of sincere unselfishness, but it is not a form of
pride with which people are apt to quarrel. Bates, when he found himself
conversing with scientific men of gentle manners, was resolved to show
himself above the ordinary farmer of that locality. He went to the
barrel where the summer's eggs had been packed in soft sand, and took
out one apiece for the assembled company. He packed the oven with large
potatoes. He put on an excellent supply of tea to boil. The travellers,
who, in fact, had had their ordinary breakfast some hours before, made
but feeble remonstrances against these preparations, remonstrances which
only caused Bates to make more ample provision. He brought out a large
paper bag labelled, "patent self-raising pancake meal," and a small
piece of fat pork. Here he was obliged to stop and confess himself in
need of culinary skill; he looked at the men, not doubting that he could
obtain it from them.

"The Philadelphian can do it better," said one. This was corroborated by
the others. "Call Harkness," they cried, and at the same time they
called Harkness themselves.

The young American opened the door and came in in a very leisurely, not
to say languid, manner. He took in the situation at a glance without
asking a question. "But," said he, "are we not to wait for the
intelligent young lady? Female intelligence can make the finer pancake."

The surveyors manifested some curiosity. "What do you know about a young
lady?" they asked.

"The young lady of the house," replied Harkness. "Hasn't
_he"_--referring to Bates--"told you all about her? The domestic
divinity who has just happened to get mislaid this morning. I saw him