ouse had probably been very popular the
day before, and there was an air of confusion about the place that added
its unpleasantness to the atmosphere that must be breathed by those that
sought the hospitality of the house. Elsie looked timidly around the parlor
as she entered, as if expecting to see the ghosts of those who had offered
up so much incense; but the room was vacant, all having departed, leaving
behind a disagreeable reminder of their presence.

"We are just as badly off as ever," Elsie whispered timidly to Dexie. "It
is not very much better, is it, Dexie?"

"No, I should say not. The very curtains are full of it. How can people
bear it! Tobacco-smoke and rum! Do let us get out of here, Lancy, before
anyone comes in!"

"Hush, Dexie! Someone will hear you."

"No danger! but do let us run before they see us here."

"But we must stay somewhere, Dexie," said Lancy. "What shall we do?"

Dexie felt provoked at their unpleasant position, and she replied in no
gentle tone.

"Do! Well, I think if nothing better is to be obtained in the town, we will
do as some of our ancient ancestors have done before us, we will 'lodge
without, in the streets,'" and gathering up the wraps she walked out of the
house, closely followed by Elsie, and more uncertainly by Lancy.

The case was becoming serious, but it had its ludicrous side as well, which
reached its height when Dexie stood on the sidewalk in front of the hotel.
Throwing the wraps over her left arm, she raised her right hand high toward
heaven, and exclaimed in dramatic tones:

"Tell me, ye winged winds, that round my pathway roam,
Is there no hotel in Truro where the landlord sells no rum?"

And the answer came, not from the winds she had apostrophized, but from an
open window that she had not observed; and the answer was:

"Fair lady, there is none."

"There! I told you that someone would hear you, Dexie," said Lancy, vexed,
yet amused at her behavior.

But Dexie stood as if unable to move, and gazed at the open window in
astonishment.

But the owner of the voice now appeared at the door, and Dexie drew a sigh
of relief as she saw what a good-natured, smiling face it was that looked
into her own. He never belonged to that house, she felt sure, though it was
nothing to his credit to be lounging inside its doors. However, it was not
likely he would consider her remarks as personal, so she slowly regained
her composure.

With a profound bow, the gentl