The Arkansaw traveler., 1886-01-23

bie. We were both charmed with him.
 "You will excuse my remarking what very fine specimens of antique plate you have on your sideboard, Dr. LesteE," said Mir. Allardyce, when we were sitting at our dessert. "l latter myself that am a connoisseur in old silver and never saw more splendid designs"
 confess am rather proud of then" said my husband, highly grati6ed, as he always was when anybody alluded to his hobby. "Would you like to examine themw
 Our visitor rose with a graceful bow and smile to me, and went to the side. board, where he handled the cups with evident appreciation. "How massive they are and how beautifully oraa. mentedl 1 suppose they are Jacobean ?"
 "The date of the tankard is I684; the cups are i've years older," said my hus- band, who was learned in Hall-marks, and knew the date of every piece of plate we possessed. It may not be generally known that by means of letters, which represent figures, the precise date of every piece ot Hall-marked silver may be as. certained)
 "Very fine, indeed" said MT. Altar dyce. Even my neighbor, Lord Fitz- george, has nothing better. What mas sive salver! Your coat of arms in the center, suppose2"
 Yes all these things belonged to my grandfather. Since you so much appre- ciate such things, Mir. Allardyce," said my husband in a state of high grati6ca- tion, should like to show a few other specimens possess. have a Queen Anne tea-service-genuine Q leen Anne dated I7I2-which h as been admired very much. We do not keep it in everyday use, and indeed we never leave more sii- yer out than is absolutely necessary, on account of thieves. will show you my plate-room and what have there. But won't you take another glass of wine ?"
 No, thank you," said MT. Allardyce eagerly. "l should SO much prefer to see your plate. have quite a passion for old silver"
 Edith, dear, have you the keys ?" said my husband. eff you will 20 and unlock the door, we will follow you"
 It was still broad daylight, being June l went up stairs and unlocked the doors, and then the two gentlemen came in. Our visitor was delighted as one thing after another was brought out. Charlie had never had such an appreciative critic before.
 A most beautiful and valuable collec- tion," said the clergyman after he had everything. "But do you think it safe to keep so much plate in an ordinary dwelling-house"
 "Oh, perfectly" said my husband. You see the bars on the window; and the doors are always kept locked. Be- sides, any one who incautiously touched the press must ring this bell," he added, showing where it was and how to avoid ringing it.
 "I suppose you have locks of compli- cated construction ?"
 "Very. Where are your keys, Edith | See, MT. Allardyce. This is the key for | .he inner door, and that for the outer | You perceive they are of very peculiar make, and they are never allo wed out of my wife's possession"
 A knock at the door, and my husband opened it an inch or two to be informed | oy the housemaid "Please, sir, you're wanted in the surgery"
 It was always the way when we had visitors. Charlie went rather reluctantly, and l had scarcely turned to MT. AL ardyce to say l was sorry my husband lad been called away, and hoped his patient would not detain him long, when
 heard Eiiza's voice at the door, saying: If you please, ma'am, may speak to ,ou minute ?"
 asked MT. Allardyce to excuse me, md went out into the passage.