in saying something else--the broken
slats, the dirty windows, the uncarpeted floor, the universal untidiness,
whispered in the mind of the hearer, "Amen!"

His residence, however, somewhat atoned for the discomfort of his office.
Not unfrequently he entertained his friends sumptuously; and whenever any
of the representatives of his party, who acted in Congress as his private
agents, had succeeded--as on one occasion, already commemorated, the Hon.
Mr. Ele had--in putting a finer edge upon a favorite axe, General Belch
entertained a select circle who agreed with him in his political
philosophy, and were particular friends of the people and of the
popular institutions of their country.

Abel Newt, in response to the General's note, had already called at that
gentleman's office, and had received overtures from him, who offered him
Mr. Bodley's seat in Congress, upon condition that he was able to see
things from particular points of view.

"Mr. Watkins Bodley, it seems," said General Belch, "and I regret to
say it, is in straitened pecuniary circumstances. I understand he will
feel that he owes it to his family to resign before the next session.
There will be a vacancy; and I am glad to say that the party is just
now in a happy state of harmony, and that my influence will secure your
nomination. But come up to-night and talk it over. I have asked Ele and
Slugby, and a few others--friends of course--and I hope Mr. Bat will drop
in. You know Aquila Bat?"

"By reputation," replied Abel.

"He is a very quiet man, but very shrewd. He gives great dignity and
weight to the party. A tremendous lawyer Bat is. I suppose he is at the
very head of the profession in this country. You'll come?"

Abel was most happy to accept. He was happy to go any where for
distraction. For the rooms in Grand Street had become inconceivably
gloomy. There were no more little parties there: the last one was given
in honor of Mrs. Sligo Moultrie--before her marriage. The elegant youth
of the town gradually fell off from frequenting Abel's rooms, for he
always proposed cards, and the stakes were enormous; which was a
depressing circumstance to young gentlemen who mainly depended upon
the paternal purse. Such young gentlemen as Zephyr Wetherley, who was
for a long time devoted to young Mrs. Mellish Whitloe, and sent her the
loveliest fans, and buttons, and little trinkets, which he selected at
Marquand's. But when the year came round the bill was incl