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My finery, then, was part and parcel of uineas already allotted; so it came about that I h force of circu which it may not return at interest

When I descended to the dining-room I found all seated, and so asked pardon of Lady Coleville, as gay and amiable as usual, and, "for a penance," as she said, made me sit beside her That was no penance, for she was a beauty and a wit, her dainty head swiyet delicate fashion, which she ht not use with any other save her husband

That, as I say, was therefore no penance, but my punishment was to see Elsin Grey far across the table on Sir Peter's right, and to find in ht in me was to alternately shock me with broad pleasantries and torment me with my innocence

Rosamund Barry was her name, Captain Barry's --he who fell at Breeds Hill in '76--the face of a Madonna, and the wicked wit of a lady whose na too nearher satin painted fan, "is it true you have deserted me for a fairer conquest?"

"The rumor nails itself to the pillory," I said; "who is fairer than you, Rosa the question," she said severely, the while her dark eyes danced a devil's shadow dance; "if you dare go tiptoeing around the skirts of the Hon Miss Grey, I'll tell her all--all, mind you!"

"Don't do that," I said, "unless you mean to leave New York"

"All about you, silly!" she said, flushing in spite of her placid sreat relief, "I was sure you could not contemplate confession!"

She laid her pretty head on one side "I wonder," sheme deliberately--"I wonder what this new insolence of yours ht indicate Is it rebellion? Has the worm turned?"

"The woraily

"I don't believe it," she said "Let me see if I canbehind her fan

"Let me match that!" I said coolly "Lend me your fan, Rosamund----"