then. By the by, do you really mean that you have never been to New
York before?"

"Never!" she answered. "I have been to Boston twice, never anywhere
else."

He smiled.

"Well," he said, "the sooner you are introduced to some of its wonders,
the better. We will dine out to-night, and I will take you to one of the
famous restaurants. It will suit me better to be somewhere out of the
way for an hour or two this evening. There is a panic in Chicago and
Illinois--but there, you wouldn't understand that. Be ready at
8 o'clock."

"But uncle--" she began.

He waved his hand.

"I know what you are going to say--clothes. You will find some evening
dresses in your room. I have had a collection of things sent round on
approval, and you will probably be able to find one you can wear. Ah!
here is Mrs. Perrin."

The door had opened, and a middle-aged lady in a stiff black silk gown
had entered the room.

"Mrs. Perrin," he said, "this is my niece. She comes from the country.
She knows nothing. Tell her everything that she ought to know. Help her
with her clothes, and turn her out as well as you can to dine with me at