owed respectfully. She was somewhat puzzled, however,
not knowing when they were let in.

"Good-morning, madam," said Mr. Barnes. "Are you the landlady of this
establishment?"

"Yes, sir."

"I have been calling on one of your lodgers--Mr. Anthony Blodgett (this
was the name by which Mr. Felix Montgomery was known in the house). He
is a very worthy man."

Now, to tell the truth, Mrs. Flagg had not been particularly struck by
the moral worth of her lodger, and this testimony led her to entertain
doubts as to the discernment of her clerical visitor.

"You know him, then?"

"I know him as myself, madam. Have you never heard him mention the name
of Rev. Mr. Barnes, of Hayfield Centre, Connecticut?"

"I can't say I have," answered the landlady.

"That is singular. We were always very intimate. We attended the same
school as boys, and, in fact, were like Damon and Pythias."

Mrs. Flagg had never heard of Damon and Pythias, still she understood
the comparison.

"You're in rather a different line now," she remarked, dryly.

"Yes, our positions are different. My friend dwells in the busy
metropolis, while I pass a quiet, peaceful existence in a secluded
country village, doing what good I can. But, my dear, we are perhaps
detaining this worthy lady from her domestic avocations. I think we must
be going."

"Very well, I am ready."

The first sound of her voice drew the attention of the landlady. Mrs.
Felix Montgomery possessed a thin somewhat shrill, voice, which she
was unable to conceal, and, looking attentively at her, Mrs. Flagg
penetrated her disguise. Then, turning quickly to the gentleman, aided
by her new discovery, she also recognized him.

"Well, I declare," said she, "if you didn't take me in beautifully."

Mr. Montgomery laughed heartily.

"You wouldn't know me, then?" he said.

"You're got up excellent," said Mrs. Flagg, with a slight disregard for
grammar. "Is it a joke?"

"Yes, a little practical joke. We're going to call on some friends and
see if they know us."

"You'd do for the theatre," said the landlady, admiringly.

"I flatter myself I might have done something on the stage, if my
attention had been turned that way. But, my dear, we must be moving, or
we shan't get through our calls."

"I wonder what mischief they are up to now," thought Mrs. Flagg, as she
followed them to the door. "I know better than to think they'd take the
trouble to dress up that way just to take in their frien