I think I would like to live in one of those mining towns out in Colorado, where women are as scarce as hairs on the inside of a man's hand.

Somebody coughed as I was going up the walk.

Did you ever have a girl cough at you ?--one of those mean, teasing, expressive little coughs?
I had practiced--at home in my own room--taking off my Panama with a graceful, sweeping bow, and saying in calm, well-bred tones: "Good-evening, Mrs.Jones.

Good-evening, ladies.

I trust you have had a pleasant as well as profitable afternoon." I had _practiced_ that in the privacy of my chamber.