Johnny found considerable difficulty in passing the time pleasantly at the boarding-house. Having previously stopped at first-class hotels, the contrast was far from agreeable, and I could see he was getting restive and dissatisfied. I had determined to use every effort in trying to keep him there as long as possible. My experience had taught me that a cheap boarding-house was no place to stop at, and I thought the sooner he learned the lesson the better it would be for him. On the fifth day, when he asked how I liked it by that time, I again repeated: "Why, Johnny, I think it's nice. Everything is neat and clean and nice and tidy, the old lady is a splendid cook and a good conversationalist, and has a nice family of well-bred children; and as for myself, _I like it, it's so home-like_." I noticed he eyed me very closely this time, but as I managed to get through without a smile, and appeared thoroughly in earnest, he seemed to consider it best not to express his opinion; and as I asked no questions he said nothing, but looked pale and haggard, and appeared nervous and anxious. Matters went on as usual, with no improvement at the boarding-house, except on Sunday for dinner we had flour gravy, which I was very fond of, and complimented the old lady on her way of making it. Johnny had nothing to say; and as he cared nothing for gravy, ate but little, and looked silly. As we passed into the sitting-room together I remarked: "That's the kind of a dinner I like; _it's so home-like_." He eyed me closely, said nothing, but looked bewildered. On the seventh day at noon, as I was coming in from canvassing, I met him down town. He looked haggard and hungry. When I came up and said "it's about dinner-time, isn't it?" he answered: "Great Caesar! it's about time to eat, anyhow, and I have got to have a square meal once more." "Well, come with me, Johnny, I'll take you to a nice place." He followed, and as we passed into the restaurant the cashier said: "How are you to-day Mr. Johnston?" We took a seat at one of the tables, when Johnny began watching me closely. Directly one of the waiters came to us and said: "Mr. Johnston, we have your favorite dish, to-day, and it's very fine." "Very well, then bring me a New England dinner." At this Johnny's eyes fairly glistened, and he turned ghastly pale. Then jumping to his feet and pounding the table with his fist, he cried out: "Johnston, you're a ---- fraud! and have nearly succeeded in starving me to death, and ---- me if I----" "But, sit down--sit down; let me explain--let me explain." He resumed his seat, when I began with: "You see, Johnny, I thought you were partial to boarding-houses, and as everything was neat and clean and nice and tid----"