I do not possess either of those ladies; but your argument hits me, notwithstanding--hits me hard, I tell you." He looked at Mr.Hethcote, who sat silently and stiffly disapproving of all this familiarity, and applied himself in perfect innocence and good faith to making things pleasant in that quarter.

"You are a stranger, Sir," said Rufus; "and you will doubtless wish to peruse the article which is the subject of conversation ?" He took a newspaper slip from his pocket-book, and offered it to the astonished Englishman.
"I shall be glad to hear your sentiments, sir, on the view propounded by our mutual friend, Claude A.Goldenheart." Before Mr.Hethcote could reply, Amelius interposed in his own headlong way.

"Give it to me! I want to read it first!" He snatched at the newspaper slip.

Rufus checked him with grave composure.

"I am of a cool temperament myself, sir; but that don't prevent me from admiring heat in others.