It was the first time he had met her since the summer days of Saratoga; and as he stood talking with her upon the sidewalk, and observed that her cheeks had an unusual flush, and her manner a slight excitement, he could not help feeling a secret pleasure--feeling, in truth, so deep a delight, as he looked into that lovely face, that he found himself reflecting, as he walked away, how very fortunate it was that he was so entirely devoted to his art.

It is very fortunate indeed, thought he.

And yet it might be a pity, too, if I should chance to meet some beautiful and sympathetic woman; because, being so utterly in love with my art, it would be impossible for me to fall in love with her! Quite impossible! Quite out of the question! Just as he thought this he bumped against some one, and looked up suddenly.

A calm, half-amused face met his glance, as Arthur said, hastily, "I beg your pardon." "My pardon is granted," returned the gentleman; "but still you had better look out for yourself." "Oh! I shall not hit any body else," said Arthur, as he bowed and was passing on.
"I am not speaking of other people," replied the other, with a look which was very, friendly, but very puzzling.
"Whom do you mean, then ?" asked Arthur Merlin.
"Yourself, of course," said the gentleman with the half-amused face.
"How ?" inquired Arthur.
"To guard against Venus rising from the fickle sea, or Hope descending from a carriage," rejoined his companion, putting out his hand.
Arthur looked surprised, and, could he have resisted the face of his new acquaintance, he would have added indignation to his expression.

But it was impossible.
"To whom do I owe such excellent advice ?" "To Lawrence Newt," answered that gentleman, putting out his hand.