As she entered the drawing-room at Mr.
and Mrs.Birtwell's, leaning on her husband's arm, a ripple of admiration was seen on many faces, and the question, "Who is she ?" was heard on many lips.

Mrs.Abercrombie was a centre of attraction that evening, and no husband could have been prouder of such a distinction for his wife than was the general.

He, too, found himself an object of interest and attention.

Mr.Birtwell was a man who made the most of his guests, and being a genuine _parvenu_, did not fail through any refinement of good breeding in advertising to each other the merits or achievements of those he favored with introductions.

If he presented a man of letters to an eminent banker, he informed each in a word or two of the other's distinguished merits.