"It's dreadful to be placarded around the country by one's own full
name, isn't it?" said Mamie, without, however, expressing much
horror in her face.

"They think it much more respectful than to call you 'Mamie,'" he
responded, lightly; "and many of your admirers are middle-aged men,
with a mediaeval style of compliment. I've discovered that amatory
versifying wasn't entirely a youthful passion. Colonel Cash is
about as fatal with a couplet as with a double-barreled gun, and
scatters as terribly. Judge Butts and Dr. Wilson have both
discerned the resemblance of your gifts to those of Venus, and
their own to Apollo. But don't undervalue those tributes, Miss
Mulrady," he added, more seriously. "You'll have thousands of
admirers where you are going; but you'll be willing to admit in the
end, I think, that none were more honest and respectful than your
subjects at Rough-and-Ready and Red Dog." He stopped, and added in
a graver tone, "Does Don Caesar write poetry?"

"He has something better to do," said the young lady, pertly.

"I can easily imagine that," he returned, mischievously; "it must
be a pallid substitute for other opportunities."

"What did you come here for?" she asked, suddenly.

"To see you."

"Nonsense! You know what I mean. Why did you ever leave
Sacramento to come here? I should think it would suit you so much
better than this place."