" The man's eyes glistened approvingly. "That might do. Not
so bad. Well, Arthurine is a good girl. We'll see, my dear Mr Howard--we'll see. Yes, yes--come here
every evening--whenever you like. You know Arthurine
is always glad to see you." "And Mr and
Mrs Bowsends?" asked I. "Are most delighted," replied
the couple, smiling graciously. I bowed, agreeably surprised,
and took my departure. I was nevertheless not over well pleased with a part of Mr Bowsends' last speech. It looked rather too much as if my affectionate father-in-law that was to be, wished to balance his lost bets with my cotton
bales;
and, as I thought of it, my gorge rose at the selfishness of m