go up to Ben Tinkle's and buy that fancy vest he's had in stock this last
twelve year or more. Will you take me back when she's left the city again;
Miss Seliny?" he drawled. "I expect, maybe, Miss Sherwood is one of these
here summer girls. I've heard of 'em but I never see one before. You
better take warning and watch me--Fisbee won't have no clear field from
now on."

The stranger leaned across to speak to Miss Briscoe and her sleeve touched
the left shoulder of the old man with the patriarchal white beard. A
moment later he put his right hand to that shoulder and gently moved it up
and down with a caressing motion over the shabby black broadcloth her
garment had touched.

"Look at that old Fisbee!" exclaimed Mr. Martin, affecting indignation.
"Never be 'n half as spruced up and wide awake in all his life. He's
prob'ly got her to listen to him on the decorations of Nineveh--it's my
belief he was there when it was destroyed. Well, if I can't cut him out
we'll get our respected young friend of the 'Herald' to do it."

"Sh!" returned Miss Tibbs. "Here he is."

The seats upon the platform were all occupied, except the two foremost
ones in the centre (one on each side of a little table with a lamp, a
pitcher of ice-water, and a glass) reserved for the lecturer and the
gentleman who was to introduce him. Steps were audible in the hall, and
every one turned to watch the door, where the distinguished pair now made
their appearance in a hush of expectation over which the beating of the
fans alone prevailed. The Hon. Kedge Halloway was one of the gleaners of
the flesh-pots, himself, and he marched into the room unostentatiously
mopping his shining expanse of brow with a figured handkerchief. He was a