Perhaps it might be some little fanciful story which would call up in her mind, without his appearing to intend it, some thought of his relationship to her as a lover--that is, if she had ever had such a notion.

If this could be done, her face would betray the fact.

But, not being ready to make such a remark, he said: "I beg your pardon, but do you really have suppers in the English fashion ?" "Oh, no," answered Miss Roberta, "we don't have a great cold joint, with old cheese, and pitchers of brown stout and ale, but neither do we content ourselves with thin bread and butter, and preserves.

We have coffee as well as tea, hot rolls, fleecy and light, hot batter bread made of our finest corn meal, hot biscuits and stewed fruit, with plenty of sweet milk and buttermilk; and, if anybody wants it, he can always have a slice of cold ham." "If I could only feel sure," thought Mr Croft, "that she looked upon me merely as an acquaintance, I would cease to trouble my mind on this subject, and let everything go on as before.

But I am not sure, and I would rather not come here again until I am." "And at what hour," he asked, "do you partake of a meal like that ?" "In summer time," said Miss Roberta, "we have supper when it is dark enough to light the lamps.