ground of particular interest in this connection. The neighboring
towns, too, have much Blaisdell data, I understand. As I said, I am
intending to make this place my headquarters, and I am looking for an
attractive boarding-place. Mr. Chalmers was good enough to refer me to
you."

"To us--for a BOARDING-place!" There was an unmistakable frown on Mrs.
James D. Blaisdell's countenance as she said the words. "Well, I'm
sure I don't see why he should. WE don't keep boarders!"

"But, Hattie, we could," interposed her husband eagerly. "There's that
big front room that we don't need a bit. And it would help a lot if--"
At the wrathful warning in his wife's eyes he fell back silenced.

"I said that we didn't keep boarders," reiterated the lady distinctly.
"Furthermore, we do need the room ourselves."

"Yes, yes, of course; I understand," broke in Mr. Smith, as if in
hasty conciliation. "I think Mr. Chalmers meant that perhaps one of
you"--he glanced uncertainly at the anxious-eyed little woman at his
left--"might--er--accommodate me. Perhaps you, now--" He turned his
eyes full upon Miss Flora Blaisdell, and waited.

The little dressmaker blushed painfully.

"Me? Oh, mercy, no! Why, I live all alone--that is, I mean, I
couldn't, you know," she stammered confusedly. "I dressmake, and I
don't get any sort of meals--not fit for a man, I mean. Just women's
things--tea, toast, and riz biscuit. I'm so fond of riz biscuit! But,
of course, you--" She came to an expressive pause.