"Merry Christmas" was the word on all lips.

Finally Brenton said, with a look of uncertainty on his face-- "My dear fellow, I can't talk to any of these people.

I don't know them." Ferris laughed at this, and replied-- "I don't think you will shock them very much; just try it." "Ah, here's a friend of mine.

You wait a moment, and I will accost him." Approaching him, Brenton held out his hand and spoke, but the traveller paid no attention.

He passed by as one who had seen or heard nothing.
"I assure you," said Ferris, as he noticed the look of disappointment on the other's face, "you will meet with a similar experience, however much you try.