Barker has loaned me the first volume of Prescott's Mexico; and I'm going to spend the evening in reading it to my wife." "Any other evening will do as well for that," returned the friend.

"So promise me to come around.

I can't do without you." "Sorry to disappoint you," said Ellis, firmly.

"But, when I once get my mind fixed on a thing, I am hard to change." "Perhaps your wife may have some engagement on hand, for the evening, or be disinclined for reading.

What then ?" "You will see me at your room," was the prompt answer of Ellis; and the words were uttered with more feeling than he had intended to exhibit.
The very question brought unpleasant images before his mind.
"I shall look for you," said the friend, whose name was Jerome.