rosperous circumstances, he
conceived a high respect for him. The truth was that Clifton himself
only got two dollars a week more than Dick, yet he paid eight dollars a
week for board, and spent the rest in dress. His reputation among
tailors was not the best, being always more ready to order new clothes
than to pay for them.

While they were talking the rest of the boarders entered, and breakfast
commenced. Miss Peyton was there, of course.

"How did you find your friends in Madison Avenue last evening, Mr.
Hunter?" she inquired.

"They were all up and dressed," said Dick. "They sent their partic'lar
regards to you."

"Oh, you wicked story-teller!" simpered Miss Peyton; "just as if I'd
believe such nonsense. Have they got a nice house?"

"Beautiful," said Dick. "I haven't seen any like it since I called on
Queen Victoria last year."

"How is the house furnished?"

"Well," said Dick, "as near as I can remember, there's diamonds worked
in the carpet, and all the tables and chairs is of gold. They'd be
rather hard to set on if it twan't for the velvet cushions."

"Aint you afraid to tell such stories, Mr. Hunter? Mr. Fosdick, you will
have to talk to your friend."

"I am afraid it wouldn't do much good, Miss Peyton, if you fail to cure
him."

"Mr. Hunter has just been investing in a handsome watch," remarked
Clifton, passing his cup for a second cup of coffee.

"Oh, do let me look at it! I dote on watches," said Miss Peyton.

"Certainly," said Dick; and he detached the chain from his button-hole,
and passed the watch across the table.

"It's a perfect little love," said Miss Peyton, enthusiastically. "Isn't
it, Mrs. Browning?"

"It is very beautiful, certainly," said the landlady. She could not help
feeling surprised that Dick, who, it will be remembered, had represented
himself at his first visit to be in limited circumstances, and now
occupied one of her cheapest rooms, could afford to purchase an article
which was evidently so costly.

"Where did you buy it, Mr. Hunter?" asked another boarder.

"I did not buy it at all," said Dick, deciding to let it be known how it
came into his possession. "It was given to me."

"Perhaps you'll mention my name to the person that gave it to you," said
Mr. Clifton. "If he's got any more to dispose of in that way, I should
like to come in for one."

"How do you know but it may have come from a _lady_ friend, Mr.
Clifton?" said Miss Peyton, slyly.

"How is that,