house in Montana and knew that he lived like a gentleman,--that his
house, its appointments and service were unusual for a western ranchman.
And she recalled, too, that she and her husband had often speculated as
to Armitage's antecedents and history, without arriving at any conclusion
in regard to him.

The room had slowly filled and they strolled about, dividing attention
between distinguished personages and the not less celebrated works of
art.

"Oh, by the way, Mr. Armitage, there's the girl I have chosen for you to
marry. I suppose it would be just as well for you to meet her now, though
that dark little foreigner seems to be monopolizing her."

"I am wholly agreeable," laughed Armitage. "The sooner the better, and be
done with it."

"Don't be so frivolous. There--you can look safely now. She's stopped to
speak to that bald and pink Justice of the Supreme Court,--the girl with
the brown eyes and hair,--have a care!"

Shirley and Chauvenet left the venerable Justice, and Mrs. Sanderson
intercepted them at once.

"To think of all these beautiful things in our own America!" exclaimed
Shirley. "And you, Mr. Armitage,--"

"Among the other curios, Miss Claiborne," laughed John, taking her hand.

"But I haven't introduced you yet"--began Mrs. Sanderson, puzzled.