in the whole situation. He could hear the lengthy speeches of
ridicule and sarcasm aimed at him from every possible standpoint,
and he felt the more determined to live down the scathing thoughts.
The man did not hear the reply by Marguerite Verne to her arrogant
sister, but he calmly and slowly repeated the words--"God bless
you, noble girl!" He still had faith in the purity of her mind, and
would have given much to be able to convince her of the fact.

It did, indeed, seem a coincidence that the moment Phillip Lawson
uttered the words above quoted, an almost perfect repetition found
their way into Marguerite's heart, and left a deep impression which
all the taunts of the subtle Evelyn could not shake off. Nor did it
seem strange to her when she fancied that a figure, on the opposite
side of the street, hurrying along at a rapid pace could be none
other than the subject of her thoughts.

* * * * *

"A delightful evening, indeed. It is almost too fine to remain
indoors."

The speaker is none other than Mr. Lawson. He is looking his best in
the neatly-fitting dress suit, with all the little make-ups
necessary to complete a gentleman's evening costume, and while he
leisurely surveys the groups of pretty faces on every side, is also
engaged in entertaining a bewitching little brunette, charmingly
attired in cream veiling and lace, with clusters of lovely damask
roses to enhance the brilliancy of her complexion.

The scene was truly intoxicating. Mrs. Holman, the fashionable belle