"She was wonderful -- perfectly wonder-
ful! Those insulting creatures were all
studying her, and she knew it. But her
dignity was perfect, and she looked as proud
as a Sioux chief. She listened to every one,
and they all thought her so bright."

"Brainard must have been tremendously
proud of her."

"Oh, he was -- of her and his Chilcat
portières."

Jessica was there often, but -- well, I was
busy. At length, however, I was forced to
go. Jessica refused to make any further
excuses for me. The rooms were filled with
small celebrities.

"We are the only nonentities," whispered
Jessica, as she looked around; "it will make
us quite distinguished."

We went to speak to our hostess. She
stood beside her husband, looking taller
than ever; and her face was white. Her
long red gown of clinging silk was so pe-
culiar as to give one the impression that she
was dressed in character. It was easy to
tell that it was one of Leroy's fancies. I