'd rather not tell," he returned, "it's of no consequence."

"It's the Ohio Hotel."

"I never heard of it."

"Didn't you?"

"It can't be much of a hotel."

"I've seen better myself," said Tom. "It don't compare with the Fifth
Avenue, in New York."

"Did you ever stop there?"

"I've been there often."

Tom did not explain that he once blacked boots in front of the hotel
for several weeks. He did not feel disposed to take Maurice too much in
his confidence. The fact is, that Maurice was considerably mystified as
to Tom's position and claims to consideration.

There was, of course, a certain want of polish about our hero, the
result of his early associations, which led Maurice to doubt if Tom was
not socially his inferior. On the other hand, Tom's free and easy
allusions to the Fifth Avenue Hotel, for instance, tended to combat
this view. He became silent, and listened to the conversation between
his cousin and Tom, which was altogether too free and animated to suit
his taste.

"I wonder how long he's going to stay?" he thought.

"Isn't it most supper time, Bessie?" he asked, at length.

"Why? Are you hungry?"

"Rather," said Maurice, looking significantly at Tom, hoping that he
would take the hint and go. He was ignorant of the invitation which had
been given and accepted.

"Mr. Grey will stop to supper, Maurice," said Bessie.

"Oh! will he?" said Maurice; but his manner was far from showing
pleasure.

He left the room soon after, and, at six, Mr. Benton came in. He was a
stout, pleasant-looking man, with a look of Bessie about the eyes, and
he very cordially welcomed our hero.

"My daughter tells me you took good care of her on the way from
Buffalo, Mr. Grey," he said.

"I tried to," said Tom.

"Accept my thanks for your attentions. You are not very old for a
protector," he added, with a smile, "but, from her account, you
answered the purpose."

"There wasn't much to do," said Tom, modestly. "I'd like to do it
again."

Bessie blushed a little, and laughed.

"It seems the arrangement was mutually agreeable," said the old
gentleman. "Are you going to stay long in Cincinnati, Mr. Grey?"

"Yes, sir--I expect to."

"Then you must come and see us often."

"I should like to." Tom was on the point of adding, "tip-top," but
stopped just in time.

Here the bell rang for supper, and the party adjourned to the
dining-room. There were seats for four. Bessie sat opposite her father,
having on one