{pine = pineapple. Newtown pippin = a green, tart, tangy American
apple, originally from Long Island, a favorite of George Washington
and Thomas Jefferson; bonne bouche = a tasty morsel (French)}
While the company were succeeding each other in offering their
homage to the great album, my attention was called off by a tap on
the shoulder from a friend, who informed me that Miss Rowley, a
very clever, handsome woman of a certain age, had expressed a wish
to make my acquaintance. I was only too happy to be presented.
After a very gracious reception, and an invitation to a party for the
following evening, Miss Rowley observed:
"You have Autographs, in America, I understand, Mr. Howard."
"Both autographs and collectors," I replied.
"Really! Perhaps you are a collector yourself?" continued the lady,
with an indescribable expression, half interest, half disappointment.
"No--merely a humble admirer of the labors of others."
"Then," added the lady, more blandly, "perhaps you will be good-
natured enough to assist me."
And, after a suspicious glance toward the spot where Lady Holberton
and Mr. T----- were conversing together, she adroitly placed herself
in a position to give to our conversation the privacy of a diplomatic
tete-a-tete.
"Could you possibly procure me some American autographs for my
collection? I find a few wanting under the American head--perhaps a
hundred or two.
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