"De ladies am engaged, sah," and no Cerberus at the door, or mailed
warder of the middle ages, could have proved such an effectual barrier
against all intruders as this old negro in his white waistcoat and
stiff necktie, backed by the usage of modern society. Indeed, in some
respects he was a greater potentate than old King Canute, for he could
say to the human passions, inclinations, and desires that surged up to
Mr. Allen's front door, "Thus far and no farther."

But upon this evening there was a caller who looked with cool,
undaunted eyes upon the stiff necktie and solemn visage rising above
it, and to Hannibal's reiterated statement, "Dey _am_ engaged,"
replied in a quiet tone of command:

"Take that card to Miss Edith."

Even Hannibal's sovereignty broke down before this persistent,
imperturbable visitor, and scratching his head with a perplexed grin
he half soliloquized, half replied:

"Miss Edith mighty 'ticlar to hab her orders obeyed."

"I am the best judge in this case," was the decisive response. "You
take the card and I will be responsible."

Hannibal came to the conclusion that for some occult reason the
gentleman, who was well known to him, had a right to pronounce the
"open sesame" where the portal had been remained closed to all others,
and, being a diplomatist, resolved to know more fully the quarter of
the wind before assuming too much. But his statecraft was sorely