"Aunt Rachel, Capt.

Bowling is the commander of a vessel now in port." Aunt Rachel made a stiff courtesy, and Capt.

Bowling eyed her curiously.
"Are you fond of knitting, ma'am ?" he asked.
"I am not fond of anything," said Rachel, mournfully.

"We should not set our affections upon earthly things." "You wouldn't say that if you had a beau, ma'am," said Capt.

Bowling, facetiously.
"A beau!" repeated Rachel, horror-stricken.
"Yes, ma'am.