Just as Lowndes had reached the parlor door, it occurred to him that Pinckney had recommended him to "put up" at the widow's, and also had given him a letter of introduction to Mrs. Hall. This reminiscence caused the General to retrace his steps back into the parlor, where, placing his portmanteau on the table, he applied the key and opened it, and began fumbling around for his letters, to the no small wonder of the landlady and her respectable boarders. "I have here, I believe, madam, a letter for you," blandly said the General, still overhauling his baggage. "A letter for _me_, sir?" responded the lady. "Yes, madam, from an old friend of yours, who recommended me to stop with you. Ah, here it is, from your friend General Pinckney, of South Carolina." "General Pinckney!" echoed the landlady, all the gentlemen present cocking their eyes and ears! The widow tore open the letter, while Lowndes calmly fastened up his portmanteau, and all of a sudden, quite an incarnation spread its roseate hues over her still elegant features. Lowndes seized his baggage, and, with a "good evening, madam, good evening, gentlemen," was about to leave the institution, when the lady arrested him with: "Stop, if you please, sir; this is General Lowndes, I believe?" "General Lowndes, madam, at your service," said he, with a dignified bow. According to all accounts, just then, there was a very sudden rising about the fire-place, and a twinkling of chairs, as if they had all just been _struck_ with the idea that there was a stranger about! "Keep your seats, gentlemen," said the General; "I don't wish to disturb any of you, as I'm about to leave." "General Lowndes," said the widow, "any friend of Mr. Pinckney is welcome to my house. Though we are full, I can make room for _you_, sir." The General stopped, and the widow and he became first-rate friends, when they became better acquainted. Cigar Smoke