the appearance of a closely wreathed
arbor. Within the piazza was filled with rare tropical plants. The
beautiful oleander, magnificent rose and sweet-scented geranium, here
united their fragrance, while the scarlet verbenum and brilliant
heliotrope added beauty to the scene.

The interior of the building corresponded with the exterior. The rooms,
large and airy, were carpeted with velvet, and adorned with costly marble
and rosewood furniture. The windows, which were constructed in the French
style, that is, reaching to the floor, were curtained with
richly-embroidered lace. Let us ascend the winding staircase, and enter
the dressing room of the owner of all this splendor.

Half reclining on a crimson lounge sits Dr. Lacey, dressed in a
fashionable brocade morning gown. On first glancing at him we think there
is no change in his countenance since we last saw him on Mrs. Crane's
steps in Frankfort, but as we note the expression of his face we can
perceive a shade of anxiety resting there. At last he rises and rather
impatiently pulls the bell rope.

His summons is immediately answered by an exquisite dandy, who is neither
African, European, French, nor Spanish, but an odd mixture of the four. He
is dressed in the extreme of fashion, and on entering the room bows most
gracefully, at the same time casting an admiring glance at himself in the
large mirror, and passing his hand carelessly through his perfumed locks.
With the utmost deference, he awaits the commands of his master.

"Well, Rondeau," said Dr. Lacey, "haven't you finished breakfast yet?"

"Yes, marster," answered Rondeau, with a very low bow. "I've got through a
moment since. What can I do for you. Will you ride this morning?"

"No," answered Dr. Lacey, "I do not wish to ride, but I want you to go to
the post office and back immediately; remember now, and not stop to
gossip."

"Certainly not," said the negro. "When marster's in a hurry, Rondeau is
never foolin' away time."

"And don't stop more than an hour in the kitchen to talk to Leffie. Do you
understand?" continued the doctor.

"Oh, yes, I won't," said Rondeau, extending his mouth into a broad grin at
his master's allusion to Leffie, a bright-looking, handsome, mulatto girl,
whom next to himself, Rondeau thought was the prettiest creature in the
world.

At last he bowed himself out of the room, and proceeded to execute his
master's commands. On passing the kitchen, he "just looked in a little,"