But the Blue Grotto, wonderful as it was, didn't quite drive away Fitzgerald's blue devils, though it made him forget his vexations for the time.

The fact is, just as we started he received a letter from his agent, informing him of the escape of a negro woman and her two children; and he spent most of the way back to Naples swearing at the Abolitionists." Flora, the side of whose face was toward him, gave Mrs.Delano a furtive glance full of fun; but he saw nothing of the mischief in her expressive face, except a little whirlpool of a dimple, which played about her mouth for an instant, and then subsided.

A very broad smile was on Mr.Percival's face, as he sat examining some magnificent illustrations of the Alhambra.

Mr.Green, quite unconscious of the by-play in their thoughts, went on to say, "It is really becoming a serious evil that Southern gentlemen have so little security for that species of property." "Then you consider women and children _property_ ?" inquired Mr.
Percival, looking up from his book.
Mr.Green bowed with a sort of mock deference, and replied: "Pardon me, Mr.Percival, it is so unusual for gentlemen of your birth and position to belong to the Abolition troop of rough-riders, that I may be excused for not recollecting it." "I should consider my birth and position great misfortunes, if they blinded me to the plainest principles of truth and justice," rejoined Mr.Percival.
The highly conservative gentleman made no reply, but rose to take leave.
"Did your friends the Fitzgeralds return with you ?" inquired Mrs.
Delano.
"No," replied he.

"They intend to remain until October, Good evening, ladies.