features. I intend to patronize the natural mode of eating in
future. I find the ends of my fingers decidedly odoriferous."

He smiled a little as he complied with the young lady's
invitation, but the expression of ecstasy did not come.

"Are Mr. Rossitur's circumstances so much reduced?" he said,
drawing nearer to Mrs. Evelyn.

"Do you know them?" exclaimed both the daughters at once.

"I knew Mrs. Rossitur very well some years ago, when she was
in Paris."

"They are all broken to pieces," said Mrs. Evelyn, as Mr.
Carleton's eye went back to her for his answer; "Mr. Rossitur
failed and lost everything — bankrupt — a year or two after
they came home."

"And what has he been doing since?"

"I don't know — trying to farm it here; but I am afraid he has
not succeeded well — I am afraid not. They don't look like it.
Mrs. Rossitur will not see anybody, and I don't believe they
have done any more than struggle for a living since they came
here."

"Where is Mr. Rossitur now?"

"He is at the West, somewhere — Fleda tells me he is engaged