He looked up from his notes. "Meriwether! How delightful to see you,"
he exclaimed. "I trust your trip from St. Louis went well?"

"As well as can be expected, dear William," beamed Meriwether. "'A
merit sent north is better than south', as they say!"

"Well, you're just in time for our momentous journey!" William rubbed
his eyes and sighed. "This sweltering heat is doing nothing for my
study of quills. Let's enjoy this fine river city, and enjoy a cup of
coffee, or maybe some tea."

Meriwether clapped his hand on William's shoulder. "I know just the
place, across the street!"

The two men left and stepped onto the sidewalk, the large hall looming
high above them. As a carriage rumbled past, they strolled across the
cobbled street and into the welcoming shade of the shop's ecclectic
interior.

"I say, Meriwether," said William. "Is this a teahouse or a book
merchant?"

Meriwether walked to the counter, and in a proud voice ordered a
"Wedded Bliss." The storekeeper nodded, smiled knowingly at
Meriwether, and reached under the counter.

"A little of both," replied Meriwether, as he winked at William.