he hospital and go into the outer world. I had
made no plans as to what I should do when thrown upon my own resources,
but felt confident that once well and strong I should find plenty of
work to do with both my hands and brain. Arletta, who appeared to have
an unlimited bank account, was generously supplying me with every
comfort and luxury that money could purchase, notwithstanding my earnest
protests against it. The tailor had visited me, taken my measure, and
returned a fine black frock suit of clothes. The hatter had furnished a
silk tile, the shoemaker, shoes, and the haberdasher all the other
articles necessary to complete my wearing apparel in the most up-to-date
style. The barber, the manicurists, and even the chiropodist had visited
me and taken extra pains in polishing me off.

"You are the handsomest old gentleman in New York," said Arletta,
girlishly, as she saw me for the first time dressed in street clothes,
and all ready to take my departure. "But you do not look so old, after
all," she added reflectively, "if it were not for your white hair you
might pass for a man of thirty-five. My! what a great big fellow you
are! Really, I am afraid that all of the women at the Waldoria will
become infatuated with you at first sight," continued she, critically
looking me over from head to foot.

"And what do you mean by the Waldoria?" inquired I.

"The Waldoria Hotel," answered she. "I have arranged for you to live
there until you have thoroughly recuperated and regained your full
strength-there, now, no more objections, or I shall become angry. At
present, you are in my charge, and must do just what I tell you."

"Notwithstanding I consider the task of following your instructions a
most pleasant one," replied I, "still it seems to me that I am not doing
exactly right in accepting your most generous offerings, for the simple
reason that I shall never be able to repay you for all you have done."

"I have been amply repaid already," said Arletta, "by the miraculous
transformation of a very bad and offensive man whom I did not like, into
a thoroughly good one whom I do like. So say no more about the matter,
for the present at least. After you have fully recovered from the
effects of the terrible ordeal through which you have just passed, then
I shall consider any protests you may have to offer, but not before. I
have ordered the carriage to come for you at noon, and have given
instructions to have you taken to the