Leaning on his stick he humbly removed his hat, and said in abject tones: "Pitty da sorrar dees old-a da gray hairs. Eesa mak-a da bolda to come a da here, so much-a da rich-a kind-a people to da poor old-a men lik-a da me. Ten-a years eesa black-a da boot; saw da-ood, sella da ba-nan, turnoppsis, carrotsis, ca-babbages; do any-ting for mak-a-da mon, go back-a da sunny Italy. Look-a da lame! Canna da work--mussa da beg, sweet-a da lady--kind-a charity." "Dear me!" replied Virginia, regretfully. "I haven't a coin with me, but let me advise you to begone, for you must know that if you are discovered here your age will not protect you." The old man bowed low. "Essa many tanks, kind-a lady. Essa da go." "And mark me, sir," added Mr. Harris, who had quickly returned with the fan. "Should I find you loitering around these grounds again tonight, officers will take care of you." "Oh, Signor! Dona tell a da po-lis. Da poor a da old a man essa much da hunger. Begga do mon to buy a da bread. Eesa da all-a Signor. Eesa da all." "Oh, Mr. Harris, please lend me a coin for him. I fear he really is in need," broke in Virginia. "There!" responded Mr. Harris, throwing him a coin. "You can thank this benevolent lady, whose presence affords you liberty. Not a word. Off with you from these grounds. Begone." The old fellow picked up the half-dollar piece, and hobbling away, soon disappeared into the shadow. "It is a pleasure to return your fan. I found it in the vestibule uninjured." "Thanks, Mr. Harris," said Virginia, receiving the fan. "I shall be more careful of it hereafter." "Ea-ah, I guess so, eh, Uncle!" broke in Sam, striding toward them. "Oh, oh, Sam! Really!" laughed Mr. Harris, as he looked meaningly at him. "Ah! You seem delighted." "I think so, eh, Uncle," accompanied by the habitual side movement of his head. "Congratulate me on having found Miss Thorpe after a long search," and turning to Virginia, he added, with a smile broadening his face--"you have promised to dance with me. May I indulge in the pleasure now?" "Yes, Sam," she replied, with an air of fatigue, "but I would rather you defer the pleasure." "Miss Thorpe is fatigued and Sam is too much of a gallant to deny her a little rest," appealed Mr. Harris. "Cert!" answered Sam, as a shade of disappointment flitted across his face. "Anything I can do to serve Miss Thorpe shall be done." "Thank you, Sam," replied Virginia, relieved. "I will call upon Miss Thorpe to favor me with her company later, eh, Uncle?" and Sam bowed and quickly disappeared. "Sam is a noble-hearted fellow! Ranged the Texas plains a few years, didn't he?" "Yes," replied Mr. Harris. "When a lad he was threatened with consumption, and physicians recommended a few years of out-door life in Texas. It cured him, but he became a little fixed in the customs. Sterling fellow, though--great heart--all heart. Be seated," pointing to the seat which she had previously occupied.