BONANZAS.


It was in the gray of the morning when they entered the mighty city by
the Thames. They sought a hotel, where they breakfasted; then waiting
until business men had gone to their work, they called a carriage and
drove to the home of Browning's step-father.

It was Browning's turn now to tremble and perspire. "Bless my soul, Jim!"
said he, "no drift on the Comstock was ever half so hot as this, never,
by Jove!"

They were admitted and shown to the parlor. Browning asked for Mrs. and
Miss Hamlin, and bade the servant say some friends desired to see them.

Who can picture the joy that followed the coming of those ladies into the
room! It is better to imagine it.

After an hour had passed, and the tears had dried, and the tremblings
ceased a little, Browning's sister drew him a little aside and asked him
why he did not inquire about some one else.

"Because," said he, "I dare not."

"Well," said the dear girl, "she is due here even now. If you will go
into the library I will meet her, tell her mother has a caller, and
propose that we go to the library. When we get there I will lose myself
for your sake, and, like the famous witches, 'dissolve into thin air.'"