Under the leeway of this pleasantry he bowed and retired.
Nelson turned with determined politeness to the lady.
He was sorry that she had come, she looking to him a very fine
lady indeed, with her black silk gown, her shining black ornaments,
and her bright black eyes. She was not young, but handsome
in Nelson's judgment, although of a haughty bearing.
"Maybe she is the principal of the High School," thought he.
"Martin has her for a boarder, and he said she was very particular
about her melons being cold!"

But however formidable a personage, the lady must be entertained.

"I expect you are a resident of the city, ma'am?" said Nelson.

"Yes, I was born here." She smiled, a smile that revealed
a little break in the curve of her cheek, not exactly a dimple,
but like one.

"I don't know when I have seen such a fine appearing lady,"
thought Nelson. He responded: "Well, I wasn't born here;
but I come when I was a little shaver of ten and stayed till I
was eighteen, when I went to Kansas to help fight the border ruffians.
I went to school here in the Warren Street school-house."

"So did I, as long as I went anywhere to school.
I had to go to work when I was twelve."

Nelson's amazement took shape before his courtesy had a chance
to control it. "I didn't suppose you ever did any work
in your life!" cried he.