e, and almost concluded it
should be to await upon the platform the Eastern-bound express due there
in a few hours. This dastardly impulse, however, was speedily put to
flight by the superior terror of the ridicule sure to greet such a
return, and, assuming a determined mien, Miselle took possession of
Corry.

Three years ago the census of this place would have given so many foxes,
so many woodchucks, so many badgers, raccoons, squirrels, and
tree-toads; now it numbers four thousand men, women, and children, and
the "old families" have withdrawn to the aristocratic seclusion of the
forest beyond.

For the accommodation of these newcomers a thousand buildings of various
sorts have been erected,--much as a child takes his toy-village from the
box and sets it here or there, as the whim of the moment dictates. Here
is also a large oil-refinery belonging to Mr. Downer of Boston, where a
good many of the four thousand find employment; and here, too, are
several inns, the best one called "The Boston House."

Hither Miselle betook herself, confidently expecting to find either Mr.
Williams or a message from him awaiting her; but, behold, no friend, no
letter!

What was to be done next? Mr. Dick, asked a similar question by Miss
Betsy Trotwood, replied, "Feed him."

Miselle adopted the suggestion. The hour was one P. M., and the general
repast was concluded; but a special table was soon prepared, whereat she
and a gentleman of imposing appearance, called Viator Ignotus, were soon
seated, before a dinner, of which the intention was excellent, but the
execution as fatal as most executions.

Viator ate in silence, occasionally startling his companion by wild
plunges across the table, knife in hand. At first she was inclined to
believe him a dangerous madman; but finding that the various dishes, and
not herself, were the objects of attack, she refrained from flight, and
considerately pushed everything within convenient stabbing distance of
the blade, which unweariedly continued to wave in glittering curves from
end to end of the table long after she had finished.

The banquet over, Miselle found the drawing-room, and in company with a
woman, a girl, a baby, and a lawless stove, devoted herself to the study
of Corry as seen through a window streaming with rain. Tired at last of
this exhilarating pursuit, she engaged in single combat with the stove,
and, being signally beaten, resolved to try a course of human nature as
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