CHAPTER XXX.
CHECK.
During these brilliant days of young bachelorhood Abel, by some curious chance, had not met Hope Wayne, who was passing the winter in New York with her Aunt Dinks, and who had hitherto declined all society.

It was well known that she was in town.

The beautiful Boston heiress was often enough the theme of discourse among the youth at Abel's rooms.
"Is she really going to marry that Dinks?
Why, the man's a donkey!" said Corlaer Van Boozenberg.
"And are there no donkeys among your married friends ?" inquired Abel, with the air of a naturalist pursuing his researches.
One day, indeed, as he was passing Stewart's, he saw Hope alighting from a carriage.

He was not alone; and as he passed their eyes met.

He bowed profoundly.