Page:Orange Grove.djvu/163

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name, "will you give me ten dollars for a poor widow whose husband was killed at the great fire last winter? She wishes to build a house for herself and children, towards which I have already obtained a large sum, and here is a list of the donors if you wish to see them; Mr. Perriwinkle, Mr. Guzthorp."

"Oh, never mind the names, here is your money, and may God bless you for all the good deeds you are doing, as he certainly will. Such disinterested beneficence never goes unrewarded," blandly replied Mr. Carleton, fixing his eyes on Miss Blanche with their most fascinating expression. The little black eyes sparkled as they turned towards Mr. Livingston, only to, meet a courteous refusal. Mr. Carleton observing it walked away with her to a neighboring group where some half dozen ladies and gentlemen were discussing a dandy frolic that took place the evening before, which resulted in the conflagration of one of the finest buildings in the city. One of the company passing through a hall where repairs were being made, heedlessly tossed his lighted segar among the shavings scattered on the floor, which was observed by others following, but whose inordinate exhilaration prevented them from noting the consequences, until they saw the flames bursting from the roof a few hours after.

"You are just the ones I want to see," said Mrs. Frizzlewit, her curls shaking with enthusiasm. "Mr. Carleton here has just given me ten dollars for some sufferers by fire, and I am sure that you will give me as much more."

There was no need now to adduce the other names,