Of course, Mr.Belcher was not late in informing Mrs.Dillingham that his wife would be most happy to accept her proposition.

Of course, Mrs.Dillingham lost no time in sending her card to all the gentlemen she had ever met, with the indorsement, "Receives on New Year's with Mrs.Col.Belcher, -- -- Fifth Avenue." Of course, too, after the task was accomplished, she called on Mrs.Belcher to express her gratitude for the courtesy, and to make suggestions about the entertainment.

Was it quite of course that Mrs.
Belcher, in the presence of this facile woman, overflowing with kind feeling, courteous deference, pleasant sentiment and sparkling conversation, should feel half ashamed of herself, and wonder how one so good and bright and sweet could so have moved her to anger?
The day came at last, and at ten Mrs.Dillingham entered the grand drawing-room in her queenly appareling.

She applauded Mrs.Belcher's appearance, she kissed the children, all of whom thought her the loveliest lady they had ever seen, and in an aside to Mr.Belcher cautioned him against partaking too bountifully of the wines he had provided for his guests.

"Let us have a nice thing of it," she said, "and nothing to be sorry for." Mr.Belcher was faithfully in her leading.