And he backed his assertion with an oath, swallowing off the contents of his glass by way of a clincher. We sat joking and chatting till past midnight during which time I flattered myself that I gave evidence of considerable diplomatic talents. As we were returning home, however, Richards doubted whether I had not driven the old boy rather too hard "No matter," replied I, "if I have only succeeded in ridding poor Margaret of him." Cool, calculating Richards shook his head. "I don't know what may come of it," said he; "but I do not think you are likely to find much gratitude for your interference." The next day was taken up in arranging matters of business consequent on the arrival of Richards. At least ten times I tried to go and see Arthurine, but was always prevented by something or other; and it was past tea-time when I at last got to the Bowsends' house. I found Margaret in the drawing-room, deep in a new novel. "Where is Arthurine?" I enquired. "At the theatre, with mamma and Mr Moreland," was the answer. "At the theatre!" repeated I in astonishment. They were playing Tom and Jerry, a favourite piece with the enlightened Kentuckians. I had seen the first scene or two at the New Orleans theatre, and had had quite enough of it. "That really _is_ sacrificing herself!" said I, considerably out of humour. "The noble girl!" exclaimed Margaret. "Mr Moreland came to tea, and urged us so much to go"-- "That she could not help going, to be bored and disgusted for a couple of hours." "She went for my sake," said Margaret sentimentally. "Mamma would have one of us go." "Yes, that is it," thought I. Jealousy would have been ridiculous. He fifty years old, she seventeen. I left the house, and went to find Richards. "What! Back so early?" cried he. "She is gone to the theatre with her mamma and Moreland." Richards shook his head. "You put a wasp's nest into the old fellow's brain-pan yesterday," said he. "Take care you do not get stung yourself." "I should like to see how she looks by his side," said I. "Well, I will go with you. The sooner you are cured the better. But only for ten minutes." There was certainly no temptation to remain longer in that atmosphere of whisky and tobacco fumes. It was at the Bowery theatre. The light swam as though seen through a thick fog; and a perfect shower of orange and apple peel, and even less agreeable things, rained down from the galleries. Tom and Jerry were in all their glory. I looked round the boxes, and soon saw the charming Arthurine, apparently perfectly comfortable, chatting with old Moreland as gravely, and looking as demure and self-possessed, as if she had been a married woman of thirty. "That is a prudent young lady," said Richards; "she has an eye to the dollars, and would marry Old Hickory himself, spite of whisky and tobacco pipe, if he had more money, and were to ask her." I said nothing.