A man passing the house at the moment, gave Simon Slade an opportunity to break off a conversation that was not, I could see, altogether agreeable. As he left me, I arose and stepped into the bar-room. Frank, the landlord's son, was behind the bar. He had grown considerably in the year--and from a rather delicate, innocent-looking boy, to a stout, bold lad. His face was rounder, and had a gross, sensual expression, that showed itself particularly about the mouth. The man Green was standing beside the bar talking to him, and I noticed that Frank laughed heartily, at some low, half obscene remarks that he was making. In the midst of these, Flora, the sister of Frank, a really beautiful girl, came in to get something from the bar. Green spoke to her familiarly, and Flora answered him with a perceptibly heightening color. I glanced toward Frank, half expecting to see an indignant flush on his young face. But no--he looked on with a smile! "Ah!" thought I, "have the boy's pure impulses so soon died out in this fatal atmosphere? Can he bear to see those evil eyes--he knows they are evil--rest upon the face of his sister? or to hear those lips, only a moment since polluted with vile words, address her with the familiarity of a friend?" "Fine girl, that sister of yours, Frank! Fine girl!" said Green, after Flora had withdrawn--speaking of her with about as much respect in his voice as if he were praising a fleet racer or a favorite hound. The boy smiled, with a pleased air. "I must try and find her a good husband, Frank. I wonder if she wouldn't have me?" "You'd better ask her," said the boy, laughing. "I would if I thought there was any chance for me." "Nothing like trying. Faint heart never won fair lady," returned Frank, more with the air of a man than a boy. How fast he was growing old! "A banter, by George!" exclaimed Green, slapping his hands together. "You're a great boy, Frank! a great boy! I shall have to talk to your father about you. Coming on too fast. Have to be put back in your lessons--hey!" And Green winked at the boy, and shook his finger at him. Frank laughed in a pleased way, as he replied: "I guess I'll do." "I guess you will," said Green, as, satisfied with his colloquy, he turned off and left the bar-room. "Have something to drink, sir?" inquired Frank, addressing me in a bold, free way. I shook my head. "Here's a newspaper," he added.