"You are right, my dear. I must eschew profanity, and cultivate
a decorous style of speech. Well, are we ready?"
"I am."
"Then let us set forth on our pilgrimage. We will imagine, Mrs.
Barnes, that we are about to make some pastoral calls."
They emerged into the street. On the way downstairs they met
Mrs. Flagg, the landlady, who bowed respectfully. She was
somewhat puzzled, however, not knowing when they were let in.
"Good-morning, madam," said Mr. Barnes. "Are you the landlady of
this establishment?"
"Yes, sir."
"I have been calling on one of your lodgers--Mr. Anthony Blodgett
(this was the name by which Mr. Felix Montgomery was known in the
house). He is a very worthy man."
Now, to tell the truth, Mrs. Flagg had not been particularly
struck by the moral worth of her lodger, and this testimony led
her to entertain doubts as to the discernment of her clerical
visitor.
"You know him, then?"
"I know him as myself, madam. Have you never heard him mention
the name of Rev. Mr. Barnes, of Hayfield Centre, Connecticut?"
"I can't say I have," answered the landlady.
"That is singular. We were always very intimate. We attended
the same school as boys, and, in fact, were like Damon and
Pythias.
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