"Mrs. Westgate or--a-- her sister?" asked Percy Beaumont modestly,
yet in the tone of an inquiring traveler.

"Oh, I mean my wife," said Mr. Westgate. "I don't suppose
my sister-in-law knows much about them. She has always led
a very quiet life; she has lived in Boston."

Percy Beaumont listened with interest. "That, I believe,"
he said, "is the most--a-- intellectual town?"

"I believe it is very intellectual. I don't go there much,"
responded his host.

"I say, we ought to go there," said Lord Lambeth to his companion.

"Oh, Lord Lambeth, wait till the great heat is over,"
Mr. Westgate interposed. "Boston in this weather would be very trying;
it's not the temperature for intellectual exertion. At Boston,
you know, you have to pass an examination at the city limits;
and when you come away they give you a kind of degree."

Lord Lambeth stared, blushing a little; and Percy Beaumont
stared a little also--but only with his fine natural complexion--
glancing aside after a moment to see that his companion was not looking
too credulous, for he had heard a great deal of American humor.
"I daresay it is very jolly," said the younger gentleman.

"I daresay it is," said Mr. Westgate. "Only I must impress
upon you that at present--tomorrow morning, at an early hour--