w.

Lyddy had risen rather quickly, and only nodded. She scarcely knew what to
make of this stranger--and she was alone.

"Pray sit down again," he urged, with a wave of his hand. "And allow me
to sit here at your feet. It is a lovely day--but warm."

"It is, indeed," admitted Lyddy, faintly.

"You have a beautiful view of the valley here."

"Yes, sir."

"I am told below," said the man, with a free gesture taking in Bridleburg
and several square miles of surrounding country, "that you take boarders
here at Hillcrest?"

"Yes, sir," said Lyddy again.

"Good! Your rooms are not yet all engaged, my dear young lady?" said the
man, who seemed unable to discuss the simplest subject without using what
later she learned to call "his platform manner."

"Oh, no; we haven't many guests as yet."

"Good!" he exclaimed again. Then, after a moment's pursing of his lips,
he added: "This is not strictly speaking a legal day for making bargains.
But we may _talk_ of an arrangement; mayn't we?"

"I do not understand you, sir," said Lyddy.

"Ah! No! I am referring to the possibility of my taking board with you,
Miss Bray."

"I see," responded the girl, with sudden interest. "Do you think you would
be suited with the accommodations we have to offer?"

"Ah, my dear miss!" he exclaimed, with a broad smile. "I am an old
campaigner. I have slept gypsy-fashion under the stars many and many a
night. A straw pallet has often been my lot. Indeed, I am naturally
simple of taste and habit."

He said all this with an air as though entirely different demands might
reasonably be expected of such as he. He evidently had a very good opinion
of himself.

Lyddy did not much care for his appearance; but he was respectably--if
strikingly--dressed, and he was perfectly respectful.

"I will show you what we have," said Lyddy, and rose and accompanied him
through the house.

"You do not let any of the rooms in the east wing?" he asked, finally.

"No, sir. Neither upstairs nor down. We probably shall not disturb those
rooms at all."

Finally they talked terms. The stranger seemed to forget all his scruples
about doing business on Sunday, for he was a hard bargainer. As a result
he obtained from Lyddy quite as good accommodations as Mrs. Castle
had--and for two dollars less per week.

Not until they had come downstairs did Lyddy think to ask him his name.

"And one not unknown to fame, my dear young lady," he said, drawing out
his cardc