of manner. There was a suggestion of physical purity in the
folds of her fresh-looking robe, and a certain picturesque tastefulness
in the details, that, without knowing why, made him think that the robe
was her invention and handiwork, even as the carriage she occupied was
evidently the work of her companion. Her own hand, a trifle too thin,
but well-shaped, subtle-fingered, and gentle-womanly, rested on the side
of the carriage, the counterpart of the strong mechanical grasp of her
companion's.

There was some obstruction to the progress of the vehicle; and Mr.
Oakhurst stepped forward to assist. While the wheel was being lifted
over the curbstone, it was necessary that she should hold his arm; and
for a moment her thin hand rested there, light and cold as a snowflake,
and then, as it seemed to him, like a snow-flake melted away. Then there
was a pause, and then conversation, the lady joining occasionally and
shyly.

It appeared that they were man and wife; that for the past two years she
had been a great invalid, and had lost the use of her lower limbs from
rheumatism; that until lately she had been confined to her bed, until
her husband--who was a master-carpenter--had bethought himself to make
her this carriage. He took her out regularly for an airing before
going to work, because it was his only time, and--they attracted less
attention. They had tried many doctors, but without avail. They had been
advised to go to the Sulphur Springs; but it was expensive. Mr. Decker,
the husband, had once saved eighty dollars for that purpose, but while
in San Francisco had his pocket picked--Mr Decker was so senseless!
(The intelligent reader need not be told that it is the lady who is
speaking.) They had never been able to make up the sum again, and they
had given up the idea. It was a dreadful thing to have one's pocket
picked. Did he not think so?

Her husband's face was crimson; but Mr. Oakhurst's countenance was quite
calm and unmoved, as he gravely agreed with her, and walked by her
side until they passed the little garden that he had admired. Here
Mr. Oakhurst commanded a halt, and, going to the door, astounded the
proprietor by a preposterously extravagant offer for a choice of the
flowers. Presently he returned to the carriage with his arms full of
roses, heliotrope, and verbena, and cast them in the lap of the invalid.
While she was bending over them with childish delight, Mr. Oakhurst took
the opportunity of drawi