The Sewing-Machine Story

Jessie one afternoon answered a ring at the door and presently came into Mrs. Henry's room.

"A gentleman to see you, Auntie," said she, timidly. "I told him you would be in in a minute." Jessie disappeared.

Mrs. Henry walked into the parlor; but she staggered when, sitting near the door, she saw Mr. Stevens. He rose as she entered. His spectacles had lost nothing of their sad expression and the long hair fell across his forehead in the same tearful plenty, imparting to his face its familiar innocence.

"Mrs. Henry--good morning, madam--I want to ask you----"

"Mr. Stevens, you can't sell me a sewing-machine, now or ever." Mr. Stevens looked hurt.

"It is not that which I wish to----"

"And you needn't talk any more about getting me a position, for I won't have it."

"It is not that, Mrs. Henry, which I wish to mention."

"Wel