It was arranged that we would start for England by the first steamer on which we could secure a comfortable passage.

We had no sooner finished our coffee than a servant announced Mr.Benjamin Murmurtot, who wished to see Miss Bronson.
"A reporter!" exclaimed Hester.

"There's no dodging them in America.
Shall I ask him in for a moment ?" We said yes, of course, and Mr.Murmurtot presently fluttered into the room.

He was a natty little man, with a large nose, a bald head and a decidedly English accent.
"Delighted to see you, Miss Bronson," said he, "delighted, I'm sure.
Thought I'd call and pay my respects before you leave the city." He greeted us all with like effusiveness and sat down facing Hester.
"It's very kind of you," said she; "but pray how did you know I was to leave the city ?" "Why, I'm sure, Miss Bronson, everybody knows you are going home to be married ?" "It is true that I am going home soon," said she, "but I must decline to discuss my object in doing so." "Pray pardon me; I'm a journalist, you know," said Mr.Murmurtot, "and I earn my living by impertinence.

Have I not seen you before, sir ?" he continued, facing Rayel.