"No," replied Napoleon, "I almost had the honor. 

 Slielit'tr.l IHT beautiful head above the surface, but 

 as soon as she saw us she immediately declined 

 all further acquaintance." 



" Perhaps you were not very gallant." 



"Oh, pardon me, I was most gallant; probably 

 we were not looked upon with favor, for she did 

 not seem anxious to be wooed." 



" Wait until the first of July and be my guest at 

 the club, aiid then I will show you salmon-fishing 

 such as you have never dreamed of." 



" You are very kind, but I am afraid I shall be 

 obliged to go home before that time." 



" Did you see that brilliant meteor, Mrs. Davis, 

 which just flashed through the heavens?" re- 

 marked Napoleon, as we strolled toward the 

 house. " It was most beautiful." 



" No, I did not; I was watching the fireflies, and 

 wondering for what purpose they are in the world. 

 What strange little creatures they are ! " 



" Meteors and fireflies always remind me," I re- 

 marked, " of Thomas Moore's ballad, ' The Lake of 

 the Dismal Swamp.' Have you ever read it, Heck T " 



" No, I never have." 



" You should read it, Mr. Heckscher ! " exclaimed 

 Mrs. Davis. "It is lovely; only I fancy your 

 dreams will be of ghosts and goblins rather than 

 of roses." 



"What is it about, Ned!" 

 133 



