sister, as they stood apart from the others and watched the effect
of the oration.

As we glance towards the said Miss Simpkins and watch the game for a
few moments, we feel certain that Hubert Tracy is not deeply
concerned whether he win or lose. He is evidently studying a deeper
game--one on which he would willingly stake all he possessed.

"Now, Mr. Tracy, that was mine as it lay!" cried his partner,
somewhat petulantly, as she noted the mistake.

"Never mind this time; I will look out better again," said the
culprit, his penitential look being sufficient apology for a more
grievous offence.

"If I didn't know you better, Tracy, I would say you were in love,"
exclaimed a fashionable young man, engaged as bookkeeper in one of
the largest wholesale firms in the city.

"You seem to have great confidence in your own opinion, Mr.
Berkeley," retorted Miss Simpkins, who, be it said, was a girl of
much moral stamina, having an aversion to conceited young men, and
let no opportunity slip when she could give a home-thrust.

"Pray don't be so captious, Lottie; I am certain that Mr. Berkeley's
opinions are always founded on correct observation," timidly
ventured a mild-looking little woman, whose speech had no other
motive than a desire to throw oil on troubled waters.

As the game progressed, the party became more interested, and after