HAPTER XVI.

MR. ROUNDJACKET MAKES HIMSELF AGREEABLE.

On the morning after the scenes which we have just related, Mr.
Roundjacket was seated on his tall three-legged stool, holding in
his left hand the MS. of his poem, and brandishing in his right the
favorite instrument of his eloquence, when, chancing to raise his
eyes, he saw through the window an approaching carriage, which
carriage had evidently conceived the design of drawing up at the door
of Mr. Rushton's office.

A single glance showed Mr. Roundjacket that this carriage contained a
lady; a second look told him that the lady was Miss Lavinia.

We might very rationally suppose that the great poet, absorbed in
the delights of poesy, and thus dead to the outer world, would have
continued his recitation, and permitted such real, sublunary things as
visitors to pass unheeded. But such a conclusion would not indicate a
very profound acquaintance with the character of Mr. Roundjacket--the
most chivalric and gallant of cavaliers.

Instead of going on with his poem, he hastily rolled up the
manuscript, thrust it into his desk, and hastening to a small cracked
mirror, which hung over the fire-place, there commenced arranging his
somewhat disordered locks and apparel, with scrupulous care.

As he finished this hasty toilette, the Apple Orchard carriage drew up
and stopped at the door, and Mr. Roundjacket rushed forth.

Then any body who would have taken the trouble to look, might have
seen a gentleman opening the door of a chariot with profuse bows,
and smiles, and graceful contortions; and then a lady accepting the
proffered hand with solemn courtesy; and then Mr. Roundjacket might
have been observed leading the lady elegantly into the office.

"A delightful morning--a _very_ delightful morning, madam," said Mr.
Roundjacket.

"Yes, sir," said Miss Lavinia, solemnly.

"And you look in the best of health and spirits, madam."

"Thank you, sir; I feel very well, and I am glad to think that you are
equally blest."

"Blest!" said Mr. Roundjacket; "since you came, madam, that may be
very truly said."

A ghost of a smile lit, so to speak, upon Miss Lavinia's face, and
then flew away. It was very plain that this inveterate man-hater had
not closed her ears entirely to the voice of her enemy.

Roundjacket saw the impression he had made, and followed it up by
gazing with admiring delight upon his visitor;--whose countenance, as
soon as the solemnity was forgotte