ter Street in search of Dickey Series C.

After a foray in a half dozen separate establishments, where neckties,
collars and all the accessories were offered in place of what he
required, he succeeded at last in securing the missing series.

At The Stag he was so full of emotion and anticipation that there was
little room for such a substantial consideration as supper, so,
dismissing that he proceeded to his room, and after indulging in the
luxury of one of the few genuine shirts which remained to him, he
anticipated his appointment a half hour by boarding the elevated, which
carried him shortly to a point within three blocks of his destination.

In order that he might not appear too anxious or come into a premature
collision with social usage, Dennis obliged himself to walk slowly in
the vicinity indicated by the address.

The general aspect of his immediate surroundings looked promising and
offered a comfortable assurance that his visit would not introduce him
to a disappointment.

At last, from the opposite side of the street, he was able to measure,
with an approving glance, a prepossessing dwelling of four stories and
a mansard.

The front was of brown stone and differed but little from its neighbors,
but to Dennis it seemed that it possessed an identity which was largely
the recollection of the lingering presence of its owner.

Directly alongside, a large conservatory extended rearward an indefinite
length.

The glittering front was picturesque with clusters of ingeniously
disposed electric lights within, which revealed to advantage a mass of
varied plants and flowers in prosperous abundance.

Charmed by the glow and color, and stimulated by the dancing lights,
Dennis presented himself "on the minute" before the door of the adjacent
dwelling.

In response to his ring, a trim, bright-eyed maid appeared, who,
accepting his name in place of his card with an amiable lack of
surprise, instructed him to enter, which he did, with alert, observing
eyes.

Although Dennis was not much of a judge of the elaborate surroundings in
which he found himself, he figured it out that the business of a
florist must be a profitable one, and speculated, with wondering
calculation, upon the length of time and the degree of application
demanded to enable him to possess similar advantages.

Acting upon the parting instructions of the widow, Dennis had already
canvassed his eligible points and was prepared to give an account