IN OLD ST.

GENEVIEVE It was the daily custom of Hector to be upon hand at the dock for the landing of each and every steamer which touched at St.
Genevieve, bound either up or down the Mississippi, and his business of cooperage never was allowed to infringe upon these more important duties.

Accordingly, on a certain day late in the winter, although he had no special reason to be present, Hector was among those who waited for the boat to land, with no purpose more definite than that of giving a hand with her line at a snubbing post.

He was much surprised when he saw coming from the gang-plank, and beckoning to him, a distinguished and handsomely clad lady.

For an instant, abashed, he could find no speech; then suddenly he jerked off his cap, and stood smiling.
"It is Madame!" he exclaimed.