"Certainly, my dear fellow," replied the gentleman. "I am certain your
reasons are good for not attending to your arrangement punctually--by
the way," he continued, "who the deuce was that lady I saw you
escorting to church last Sunday?"

"An acquaintance of mine that I had not seen for years, until a few
days ago chance threw me in her path and I paid her a visit."

"Ha, ha, ha," laughed his companion. "I understand; but who is she,
and her name? She is very pretty," he continued, gravely.

"Hush, Charlie!" replied Horace; "come to my room in the St. Louis
Hotel, and I will tell you all about it."

"Wait a moment, my friend, and let me get some breakfast," he replied.

"Pooh!" said Horace, "we can have breakfast at Galpin's after I have
conversed with you at my room; or," he continued, "I will order a
breakfast and champagne to be brought up to my room."

"As you like," said the other, taking a couple of cigars from his
pocket and offering one to his companion.

After lighting their cigars, the two men left the hotel, and
purchasing the New York _Herald_ and _News_ from the news-dealer
below, proceeded to the St. Louis Hotel, where Horace ordered a
breakfast and champagne for himself and guest.

Throwing himself on one of the richly-covered couches that ornamented
the apartment, Charles Bell--for that was the name of the