"Well, this is certainly a temptation," said the man, pausing and looking around the front chamber on the second floor. "And you have named your lowest terms?" "Yes, sir; the lowest." "Well, it's higher than I've been paying, but this looks too comfortable. I suppose we will have to strike a bargain." "Shall be pleased to accommodate you, sir." "We will come, then, to-morrow morning." "Very well, sir." And the stranger departed. "So much for a beginning," said Mrs. Turner, evidently gratified. "He seems to be much of a gentleman. If his wife is like him, they will make things very agreeable I am sure." "I hope she is," said Mary. On the next morning, the new boarders made their appearance, and the lady proved as affable and as interesting as the husband. "I always pay quarterly. This is the custom in all the boarding houses I have been in. But if your rules are otherwise, why just say so. It makes no difference to me," remarked the new boarder, in the blandest manner imaginable. "Just suit yourself about that, Mr. Cameron. It is altogether immaterial," Mrs. Turner replied, smiling. "I am in no particular want of money." Mr. Cameron bowed lower, and smiled more blandly, if possible, than before. "You have just opened a boarding house, I suppose, madam?" he said. "Yes sir, I am a new beginner at the business." "Ah--well, I must try and make you known all I can. You will find Mrs. Cameron, here, a sociable kind of a woman. And if I can serve you at any time, be sure to command me." "You are too kind!" Mrs. Turner responded, much pleased to have found, in her first boarders, such excellent, good-hearted people. In a few days, a couple of young men made application, and were received, and now commenced the serious duties of the new undertaking. Mary had to assume the whole care of the house. She had to attend the markets, and oversee the kitchen, and also to make with her own hands all the pastry. Still, she had, a willing heart, and this lightened much of the heavy burden now imposed upon her. "How do you like your new boarding house?" asked a friend of one of the young men who had applied, and been received. This was about two weeks after his entrance into Mrs. Turner's house. "Elegant," responded the young man, giving his countenance a peculiar and knowing expression. "Indeed? But are you in earnest?" "I am that. Why, we live on the very fat of the land." "Pshaw! you must be joking. Whoever heard of the fat of the land being found in a boarding house. They can't afford it." "I don't care, myself, whether they can afford it or not. But we do live elegantly. I wouldn't ask to sit down to a better table." "What kind of a room have you? and what kind of a bed?" "Good enough for a lord." "Nonsense!"