“Nobody can tell what has been the state of my feelings,” he resumed after a pause.
“You ain't sick?” questioned Paul, hastily.
“Nothing of the sort, only my appetite has been a good deal affected. I don't think I have eaten as much in a week as you would in a day,” he added, complacently.
“If I felt that way I should think I was going to be sick,” said Paul.
“I'll let you into the secret,” said Mr. Benton, lowering his voice, and looking carefully about him, to make sure that no one was within hearing distance—“I'M IN LOVE.”
This seemed so utterly ludicrous to Paul, that he came very near losing Mr. Benton's friendship forever by bursting into a hearty laugh.
“I didn't think of that,” he said.
“It's taken away my appetite, and I haven't been able to sleep nights,” continued Mr. Benton, in a cheerful tone. “I feel just as Howard Courtenay did in the great story that's coming out in the Weekly Budget. You've read it, haven't you?”
“I don't think I have,” said Paul.
“Then you ought to. It's tiptop. It's rather curious too that the lady looks just as Miranda does, in the same story.”