The portly figure of Mrs. Chapman, arrayed in her best millinery, stood
in the door ready to welcome her dear husband and Mr. Gusher, who had
proceeded in advance of the crowd.

"Allow me to welcome you to my house--such as it is, Mr. Gusher," said
she, making a low courtesy, and then extending her fat, waxy hand. Mr.
Gusher bowed in return, and received the hand formally.

"Madam, I am so very happy to have ze pleazure to zee you in your own
house," replied Mr. Gusher, raising his hand to his heart, then lifting
his hat and making another formal bow.

"I am sure you will forego all ceremony, Mr. Gusher, and make yourself
at home. We are plain, unpretending people, and like to receive our
friends in a plain, unpretending manner," resumed Mrs. Chapman,
escorting her guest into the parlor, and begging him to be seated. "It
seems so very long since we met in New York, Mr. Gusher. I never shall
forget that visit, made so pleasant by your kindness. I have spoken of
you so often, Mr. Gusher, to my daughter, that we both feel as if we
were well acquainted with you--"

"Madam," interrupted Mr. Gusher, again putting his hand to his heart and
making a formal bow, "you do me so many compliments as I don't deserve.
I have anticipated ze pleazure and ze honor so much to zee your
daughter. I am zure I shall be delight wiz her. If I shall speak Englis
so well as you, then I shall be so happy. Then I makes myself agreeable
to your daughter, I am so sure." Mr. Gusher was indeed quite embarrassed
at the number of compliments Mrs. Chapman seemed inclined to bestow on
him.