“How do you do, Mr. Stubbs?” inquired Paul, his face lighting up with pleasure.
“I'm so's to be round. How be you?” returned the worthy pedler, seizing our hero's hand and shaking it heartily.
Mr. Stubbs was attired in all the glory of a blue coat with brass buttons and swallow tails.
“When did you come to New York?” asked Paul.
“Just arrived; that is, I got in this mornin'. But I say, how you've grown. I shouldn't hardly have known you.”
“Shouldn't you, though?” said Paul, gratified as most boys are, on being told that he had grown. “Have you come to the city on business?”
“Well, kinder on business, and kinder not. I thought I'd like to have a vacation. Besides, the old lady wanted a silk dress, and she was sot on havin' it bought in York. So I come to the city.”
“Where are you stopping, Mr. Stubbs?”
“Over to the Astor House. Pretty big hotel, ain't it?”
“Yes, I see you are traveling in style.”