salute with the back of his hand.

"Miss Rosa is well, thank you, sir. As for this genlman, he is always
well," said Felix, laying his hand on his breast.

"Fine day for walking, sir. Sorry you going de oder way, Missa Qui.
Suppose you hab business."

"I walk out for the exercise. I have not take exercise enough lately
for the health."

At this moment the eye of Primus caught sight of a white piece of
paper sticking out of a corner of Felix's pocket, and he suspected the
errand on which the latter was sent, so he added:

"You celumbrate Tanksgiving in de usual style at your house dis year,
I presume."

"Some witch tell you, General. Haw, haw!"

"De ole chimbly smoke extrorninary at dis season. De chickens and de
turkies know dat chimbly well."

"Guess they do," said Felix. "General Ransome, can you keep a secret?"

"I is close as Missa Pint pocket, dat button all round," said the old
negro.

"Then I have no objections to tell you, General, that I give out some
invite this morning to ladies and genlmen to take dinner at my house,