You may break, you may shatter
The vase if you will,
But the scent of the roses
Will cling to it still,'"

he said, smiling.

"That's it. Much obliged. You can warm up and rechristen the hash if you
will; but the corned beef and cabbage stay right on deck. Ain't that so,
Mr. Dickens?"

The illustrious "C." bowed.

"Moore?" he observed, with dignity.

"Yes. That's what _I_ said--'More!' Said it twice, I believe. Glad you
agree with me. The hymn says that weakness is sin, but there's no sin in
havin' a weakness for corned-beef hash."

Miss Sherborne and Mrs. Van Winkle Ruggles were at first inclined to
snub the new boarder, considering him a country boor whose presence in
their select society was almost an insult. The captain did not seem to
notice their hints or sneers, although Pearson grew red and wrathful.

"Laura, my dear," said Mrs. Ruggles, addressing the teacher of vocal
culture, "don't you feel quite rural to-day? Almost as if you were
visiting the country?"

"I do, indeed," replied Miss Sherborne. "Refreshing, isn't it? Ha! ha!"

"It is if one cares for such things. I am afraid _I_ don't appreciate
them. They may be well enough in their place, but--"

She finished with a shrug of her shoulders. Captain Elisha smiled.

"Yes, ma'am," he said politely, joining in the conversation; "that's
what the boy said about the cooky crumbs in the bed. You don't care for
the country, I take it, ma'am."

"I do _not_!"

"So? Well, it's a mercy we don't think alike; even Heaven would be
crowded if we did--hey? You didn't come from the country, either?"
turning to Miss Sherborne.

The young lady would have liked to answer with an uncompromising
negative. Truth and the fact that some of those present were acquainted
with it compelled her to forego this pleasure.

"I was born in a--a small town," she answered coldly. "But I came to the
city as soon as I possibly could."

"Um-hm. Well, I came when I couldn't possibly stay away. We can agree
on one thing--we're all here. Yes, and on another--that that cake
is fust-rate. I'll take a second piece, if you've no objection, Mrs.
Hepton."

When they were alone once more, in the captain's room, Pearson vented
his indignation.

"Why didn't you give them as good as they sent?" he demanded. "Couldn't
you see they were doing their best to hurt your feelings?"

"Ya-as. I could see it. Didn't need any specs to see that."

"Then why didn't