ognomens
assumed for the occasion by the fair venders of osculatory delights.
"Cleopatra," "The Fair One with Golden Locks," "Kathleen Mavourneen,"
"Pocahontas," or more simply, albeit not less mysteriously, "Miss A.
B.," or "Mademoiselle X." Of course, each had dressed the part as
nearly as might be, and the exhibition was certainly attractive to the
masculine eye. In questionable taste, no doubt, but one does not stand
upon trifles when it is all for sweet charity's sake.

"My dear Thorp," said Indiman, with the utmost gravity, "have you half
a dollar in your pocket? Then come with me," and forthwith we jammed
and corkscrewed our way through the crowd until we reached the long
counter covered with red-paper muslin.

V

The Ninety-and-nine Kisses

The fair and bazaar of the United House-smiths' Benevolent Association
was assuredly a tremendous success, and not the least of its
attractions was the open market where kisses might be purchased at the
ridiculously small price of fifty cents each. But "Cash before
delivery" was the motto, and on the counter in front of each young
woman stood a brass bowl in which the purchaser deposited his
money--"Free list entirely suspended." One could see that "The Fair One
with Golden Locks," a large, full-fed blonde with extraordinarily vivid
red cheeks, had been doing a rushing business; her bowl was overflowing
with notes and coin. And the others also had done well, all except
"Mademoiselle D.," the girl at the far end; she had not made a single
sale. A slight little thing, pale and somewhat anxious-looking; no
wonder that customers had passed her by. Then she looked up, and we
both caught our breath. What eyes! Eyes of the purest, serenest
gray--gray of that rare quality that holds no tint of either green or
blue. Her eyes were her one beauty indeed, but the superlative miracle
of loveliness is best seen when it stands alone. And these dolts of
house-smiths had passed on to sample the pink-and-white confectionery
at the other end of the counter.

"One hundred, if you please," and Indiman laid a fifty-dollar bill in
the bowl of the girl with the gray eyes. The crowd stopped and gaped,
and "Mademoiselle D." turned from white to red and then to white again.

"Bought up the whole stock, boss?" asked a foolish-looking youth whose
collar was slowly but surely choking him to death.

"Better take a couple on account," said the pert damsel attached to the
young fellow's arm;