" You see, I'm working on my gentleman every
day," he went on. "I'll have him in decent
shape by-an*-by. I read a good deal, because
every gentleman reads, and I'm beginning to
enjoy it."

"I wish you'd make me a visit; I want you
to meet my mother," said I.
" I'd like to," he answered. " You must come
from a very respectable family."

"What makes you think so?" I asked.
"Oh, I can tell by your looks and your way
of talking," he remarked. "You've been well
brought up — a ready-made gentleman, as ye

IIP



Two Important Meetings

might say. It's grand to have all that done for
ye, I wasn't so lucky. But I'm made upon
honor — ^hand-sewed and stitched and double-
soled. I ought to wear well. You could rely on
me to behave myself if you took me into your
home.**

Just then a colored boy came to the door and
said : " There's a man down-stairs who wants to
see Mr. McCarthy, and he won't give me a
card."

"Show the gentleman up," said my friend, as
if accustomed to many callers.
Presently in walked the Pearl of great price
with the dog, Mr. Barker. I was overjoyed to
see them.
" Let me feel of you," he said, as he took my
hand. "Now don't be scairt an' jump out o*
the window. Just agree to stay with me for a
minute. I'll agree not to kill you. I — I couldn't
get even with you in that way."

" What's the matter ?" I asked.
