CHAPTER XV.
Thus Captain Elisha entered another of New York's "circles," that which centered at Mrs.Hepton's boarding house.

Within a week he was as much a part of it as if he had lived there for years.

At lunch, on the day of his arrival, he made his appearance at the table in company with Pearson, and when the landlady exultantly announced that he was to be "one of our little party" thereafter, he received and replied to the welcoming salutations of his fellow boarders with unruffled serenity.
"How could I help it ?" he asked.

"Human nature's liable to temptation, they tell us.

The flavor of that luncheon we had last time I was here has been hangin' 'round the edges of my mouth and tantalizin' my memory ever since." "We had a souffle that noon, if I remember correctly, Captain," observed the flattered Mrs.Hepton.
"Did you?
Well, I declare! I'd have sworn 'twas a biled-dinner hash.
Knew 'twas better than any I ever ate afore, but I'd have bet 'twas hash, just the same.