Mr.Gusher was thereupon shown to his room, and left to his own contemplations.

In truth, he was glad enough to escape in this way from a continuation of this fussy woman's compliments.

He had, however, created in his mind a beautiful picture of Mattie, with oval face, fair complexion, soft blue eyes, flowing golden hair, and a form that Diana might have envied, and a voice so sweet in song.

As to her parents, they knew nothing of him, (perhaps it was well they did not); and he knew nothing of them.

There was a mystery overhanging the means by which he had been brought in contact with these peculiar people.