y listened for the Colonel's answer with a suspended hope that he
might give Elmer Wiggins "one," as he said to himself. He still owed the
latter gentleman a grudge because in the past he had been, as it were,
the fountain head of all in his youthful misery in supplying ample
portions of the never-to-be-forgotten oil of the castor bean and dried
senna leaves. He felt at the present time, moreover, that he was
inimical to his mother and her interests. And Milton Caukins was his
friend and hers, past, present, and future; of this he was sure.

The Colonel took time to light his cigar before replying; then, waving
it towards the ceiling, he said pleasantly:

"My young friend here, Champney, to whom we are looking to restore the
pristine vigor of a fast vanishing line of noble ancestors, is both a
Googe _and_ a Champney. _His_ ancestors counted themselves honored in
making alliances with foreigners--immigrants to our all-welcoming
shores; 'a rose', Mr. Wiggins, 'by any other name'; I need not quote."
His chest swelled; he interrupted himself to puff vigorously at his
cigar before continuing: "My son, sir, is on the spindle side of the
house a _Googe_, and a _Googe_, sir, has the blood of the Champneys and
the Lord knows of how many noble _immigrants_" (the last word was
emphasized by a fleeting glance of withering scorn at the small-headed
Wiggins) "in his veins which, fortunately, cannot be said of you, sir.
If, at any time in the distant future, my son should see fit to ally
himself with a scion of the noble and long-suffering Hibernian race, I
assure you"--his voice was increasing in dimensions--"both Mrs. Caukins
and myself would feel honored, sir, yes, honored in the breach!"

After this wholly unexpected ending to his peroration, he lowered his
feet from their accustomed rest on the counter of the former bar and,
ignoring Mr. Wiggins, remarked to Augustus that it was time for the
mail. Augustus, glad to welcome any diversion of the Colonel's and Mr.
Wiggins's asperities, said the train was on time and the mail would be
there in a few minutes.

"Tave's gone down to meet Mis' Champney," he added turning to Champney.
"She's been in Hallsport for two days. I presume you ain't seen her."

"Not yet. If you can give me my mail first I can drive up to
Champ-au-Haut with her to-night. There's the mail-wagon."

"To be sure, to be sure, Champney; and you might take out Mis'
Champney's; Tave can't leave the hosses."

"All