"That would be very nice," said Lavinia.
"Do you think so?" said the General, moving his chair still closer to Lavinia's.
"Of course," replied Lavinia, coolly, "for I, being a stranger to all the habits and customs of the people, as well as to the country, it would be pleasant to have some person along who could answer all my foolish questions."
"I should like it first rate, if Mr. Barnum would engage me," said the General.
"I thought you remarked the other day that you had money enough, and was tired of traveling," said Lavinia, with a slightly mischievous look from one corner of her eye.
"That depends upon my company while traveling," replied the
General.
"You might not find my company very agreeable."
"I would be glad to risk it."
"Well, perhaps Mr. Barnum would engage you, if you asked him," said Lavinia.
"Would you really like to have me go?" asked the General, quietly insinuating his arm around her waist, but hardly close enough to touch her.