her tongue, as it were. I think she is
under the influence now, and her words are not likely to--to correspond
exactly with existing facts. You will not be surprised, then, at her
words. They are only words, words. At other times she is a woman of
action. She has a wonderful character, Sir."

"Quite a phenomenon, indeed, I should say," said Paul, ready to return
to so interesting a person, but politely suffering Mr. Manlius to flow
on, which he did uninterruptedly.

Doctor Chocker was the last to come. Miss Pix knew his infirmity, and
contented herself with mute, but expressive signs, until the old
gentleman could adjust his trumpet and receive her hearty
congratulations. He jerked out a response, which Miss Pix received with
as much delight as if he had flowed freely, like Mr. Manlius, who was
now playing upon Mr. Le Clear an analysis of Nicholas's character, which
he had read with unerring accuracy, as Mrs. Manlius testified by her
continued, unreserved agreement. Indeed, the finding of his aunt by
Nicholas in so unexpected a manner was the grand topic of the evening;
and the four musical gentlemen, hearing the story in turn from each of
the others, were now engaged in a sort of diatessaron, in which the four
accounts were made to harmonize with considerable difficulty: Mr.
Schmauker insisting upon his view, that Nicholas had arrived wet and
hungry, was found on the doorstep, and dragged in by Mrs. Starkey; while
Mr. Pfeffendorf and Mr. Pfeiffer substituted Mrs. Manlius for Mrs.
Starkey; and Mr. Windgraff proposed an entirely new reading.

Dr. Chocker's entrance created a lull; and the introduction, performed
in a general way by the hostess, brought little information to the rest,
who were hoping to revise their list of names,--and very little to the
Doctor, who looked about inquisitively, as Miss Pix dropped the company
in a heap into his ear-trumpet. His eye lighted on Nicholas, and he went
forward to meet him, to the astonishment of the company, who looked upon
Nicholas as belonging exclusively to them. A new theory was at once
broached by Mr. Windgraff to his companions, that Dr. Chocker had
brought about the recognition; but it lost credit as the Doctor began to
question Nicholas, in an abrupt way, upon his presence there.

"Didn't know I should meet you again, young man," said he. "But you
don't take my advice, eh? or you wouldn't have been here. But I'm
setting you a pretty example! This isn't the way to stu