"You were in England most of the time, were you not?"

"Yes--I believe I was. Oh, by the bye, I met Harrington in Paris; I
thought he meant to stay at home."

"He often goes abroad," said Mrs. Wyndham indifferently. "One lump of
sugar?"

"Two, if you please--no cream--thanks. Does he go to Paris to convert the
French, or to glean materials for converting other people?" inquired Mr.
Vancouver languidly.

"I am sure I cannot tell you," answered the lady, still indifferently.
"What do you go to Paris for?"

"Principally to renew my acquaintance with civilized institutions and
humanizing influences. What does anybody go abroad for?"

"You always talk like that when you come home, Mr. Vancouver," said Mrs.
Wyndham. "But nevertheless you come back and seem to find Boston bearable.
It is not such a bad place after all, is it?"

"If it were not for half a dozen people here, I would never come back at
all," said Mr. Vancouver. "But then, I am not originally one of you, and I
suppose that makes a difference."

"And pray, who are the half dozen people who procure us the honor of your
presence?"