Chints, can say all that need be said. It will be a pretty
scene, a 'tableau vivant.' Mr. Chints, come with me before the
young woman leaves her present favorable position near the parlor
door. Mr. Burleigh, your scruples are sentimental and groundless.
Of course the young woman will be delighted to receive in one
evening as much, and perhaps more, than her whole year's salary
amounts to. Come, Mr. Chints, Mr. Burleigh, if you wish, you may
group some of your friends near;" and away she rustled, sweeping
the floor with her silken train.
Mr. Chints lumbered after her with a perplexed and martyr-like
expression. He was a mighty man in Washington Market, but in a
matter like this he was as helpless as a stranded whale. The gift
of five hundred dollars did not trouble him in the least; he could
soon make that up; but taking part in a "tableau vivant" under the
auspices of his dramatic wife was like being impaled.
"Well," said Mr. Burleigh, shaking his head, "I wash my hands of
the whole matter. Five hundred dollars is a snug sum, but I doubt
if that little woman takes it. I'm more afraid she'll be offended
and hurt. What do you think, Miss Mayhew?"
"I've no opinion to offer, Mr.
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