64 BRAGGADOCIO.

“Tt is a beautiful new car. How splendid the
paintings are! How bright the mahogany is!
How rich this crimson damask is! Did you
. ever see such a magnificent affair ?”

“] never was in a car that went so slowly
before,” replied Howard, contemptuously.

“Wait awhile. We are in the crowded
city. When we are beyond the city limits,
we are taken on swift as the wind, by one of
the most powerful engines that ever steamed
it over a railroad.” |

Mrs. Cramer, who sat a few seats forward
of the boys, could hear the voice of George
without distinguishing what he said. She
perceived that he was warm and animated,
and motioned to him to come to her.

“Now, George, I beseech you,” said she,
earnestly ; “I beseech you not to get into any
altercation with your cousin. Try to make
yourself agreeable to a stranger in some other
way than by forcing him to praise what may
not be pleasing to him.”

“‘ But, mother, he will not be pleased with
anything, and it provokes me.”

“Then change places with me. Sit here