assist in the housekeeping, as she had on
previous occasions. The day of her advent Bradley entered Mainwaring's
room, and, closing the door mysteriously, fixed his blue eyes, kindling
with mischief, on the young Englishman.

"You are aware, my dear boy," he began with affected gravity, "that you
are now living in a land of liberty, where mere artificial distinctions
are not known, and where Freedom from her mountain heights generally
levels all social positions. I think you have graciously admitted that
fact."

"I know I've been taking a tremendous lot of freedom with you and yours,
old man, and it's a deuced shame," interrupted Mainwaring, with a faint
smile.

"And that nowhere," continued Bradley, with immovable features, "does
equality exist as perfectly as above yonder unfathomable abyss, where
you have also, doubtless, observed the American eagle proudly soars and
screams defiance."

"Then that was the fellow that kept me awake this morning, and made me
wonder if I was strong enough to hold a gun again."

"That wouldn't have settled the matter," continued Bradley,
imperturbably. "The case is simply this: Miss Minty Sharpe, that
blacksmith's daughter, has once or twice consented, for a slight
emolument, to assist in our domestic service for a day or two, and she
comes back again to-day. Now, under the aegis of that noble bird whom
your national instincts tempt you to destroy, she has on all previous
occasions taken her meals with us, at the same table, on terms of
perfect equality. She will naturally expect to do the same now. Mrs.
Bradley thought it proper, therefore, to warn you, that, in case your
health was not quite equal to this democratic simplicity, you could
still dine in your room."

"It would be great fun--if Miss Sharpe won't object to my presence."

"But it must not be 'great fun,'" returned Bradley, more seriously; "for
Miss Minty's perception of humor is probably as keen as yours, and she
would be quick to notice it. And, so far from having any objection
to you, I am inclined to think that we owe her consent to come to her
desire of making your acquaintance."

"She will find my conduct most exemplary," said Mainwaring, earnestly.

"Let us hope so," concluded Bradley, with unabated gravity. "And, now
that you have consented, let me add from my own experience that Miss
Minty's lemon-pies alone are worthy of any concession."

The dinner-hour came. Mainwaring, a little pale and interesting,