The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-04-02

and uncOmprOmiSlng OF dOwageTB-a lady
who had three unmarried land perhaps
unmarrinblel daughters on the floor, ami
who was the instructive enemy Of every
thing In the shape OF n young and pr tty
woman who came in her way. THIS lidy
had placed herself deliberately in trout of
the stranger, ard was closing every avenue
OF approach with the vigilance of DRAGON.
The moment that Nevins's intentions be-
came evident, the lady held herself in read-
ness. and rs soon rs he came within reach
Of her voice acco ted him with, charm
ing ball, Colonel Ncvlns. You have not
been to call on your old frienus SINCE you
returned from the seat OF war. What are
the prospects of an actiOnV
Ncvins answered her questions politely,
aud allowed himself to be drawn INTO
desultory conversation, trusting that he
might be able sufficiently TO interest the
unknown lady TO draw her by degrees into
the chat. The stranger, however. seemed
little interested by his accOunts of the
army; but flourish or Egerton's diamond
suddenly attracting her attention, she
timidly bent forward and addressing the
dowager said. "Will you have the kind
ness, madam, to tell me the name of the
young gentleman who wears that very
large diamOndY
And when does General Hooker ex-
pect to move on Richmond| inquired
the voluble lady, resolutely ignoring the
questioner.
1--WE are not informed OF the army
movements beforehand" replied Nevins
gravey. Pardon me, madam, but you
asked the name of gentleman.
"Nos-of the gentleman with the large
diamond" inquired the stranger. Can
you ten mef"
THAT Is Mr.. Herman Egerton," said
Colonel Nevins, Zone OF my particular
fr ends"
lis he a particular friend OF Mrs. De
Lancey" inquired the lady with eager
uess.
"'rhey are reported TO beengaged." The
stranger turned pale.
" Decidedly" thought Nevins, "Egerton
has made n conquest"
al heard that Mrs. DE Lancey was on
very friendly terms with Mr.. Delano," re-
marked the stranger.
They are" said Nevins, but fortu-
nately for my friend Egerton, MIR. Delano
Is "A married man."
$50 | understand said the lady quietly.
81 thank you"
This last sentence was so plainly intend
cd to put an end 10 the conversation, that
Nevins had no alternative but TO return TO
the ioor, or resume his task OF entertain
ing his elderly nsIghbor. Seeing Egerton
approaching. he hastily excused himself to
the old lady, and joined him ut the foot OF
the platform.
"Well, what luckr' said EgertOn, tap
ping Nevins on the arm.
"Impractcable," replied the Colonel.
"TuHt mieuL there Will be the more
credit in captivating her"
DO you really mean TO attempt i'll In
Mrs. DE Lanccy's presence, tooy'
Not TO attempt, but TO accomplish IL.
my dear fellow"
"Never."
Never IS bold word. Colonel Nevins.
What will you bet that | dout't have her
out on the floor In half an hourp
cit does not seem to me very ft sub
ject for a bet" replied Nevtns Rravely.
II would rather not take your wager,
Herman"
"what ha. come over you, Nevins -
exclaimed Herman. This Is the 1rst
time that | ever heard of your declining a
wager. Come, | won't ask you TO risk any.
thing. You know that had arranged to
buy your bay saddle horse as soon as he
had been properly valued. Now, IL you
are so sure that will not make acquaint-
ance with that young lady aud have her
dancing before the end OF the evening.
nothing If 1 succeedi And II fail, why
you may name anything OF mine that you
like"
THAT diamond on your finger 2" said
Nevins suddenly.
" No, by Jovel" exclaimed Egerton. re-
collecting himself. " | would not dare to
part with that; but let me see-you shall
have my ,: 10 team. Its worth more than
your saddle horse, but under the cIroum-
stances am not afraid TO risk it,
a 2:40 team would he OF little use to
me in the field, SAID Nevins gravely. l
decline your bet, Mr. Egerton."
Well, you may name your own terms (;
a. | arm sure to win, Il IS of little conse-
Qucnce. Hold on, Nevins," lie repeated
NJ tue Colonel moved away. Remember
that you have once accepted the bet and
cant Withdraw from 10, particularly rs |
have left the stakes TO you-any thing you
please except tins diamond
Nevius did not remain 10 discuss the
question with Egertou, but passed into the
supper room, where he found Alfred
Delano standing near one of the bullets
alone, and AN unusual practice with him
drinking heavily. The frightful pallor OF
his face alarmed Nevins. Notwithsta nd
| ing his heavy rotations, he was perfectly
sober-pamfully sober, he might himself
have said, considering that he was 50 evil
| IDENTIFY drinking TO drown thought.
"De,ano," said the Colonel, advancing
to the buffet, can you spare glass OF
| champagne from your bother
Delano passed the bottle moodily, bat
made no remark.
marked Nevins. 4" don't remember any
before went South"
~ detest them" Kissed Delano between
his teeth. Senselcss crowds who como to
eat and elbow better men than themselves.
This Is the last at which Will be seem"
"They bring together n great deal OF
beauty" said Nevins. by the way, who
is the lady in blue who has been sitting all
the evening in the bow window Ii seems
strange 10 see one of the prettiest women
| in the room n wall flower"
A spasm OF rage contracted Delanos
face,and setting his glass on the buffet. and
| advancing close to Nevins, he demanded
in an undertone, Colonel Nevius, how am
| l to unders aud that question:
AS you please" returned Nevns in a
| tone equally naughty. IL see nothing that
demands explanation in inquiring the
name of n lady whom II is very clear that
! you recognized"
Forgive me, Nevins," said Delano
YEARLY; ~ am not well tonight, aud not
nj for this scene. think that Will NO to
my hotel"
no objection to tell you why asked about
the lady. My friend Egerton has become
interested in her. aud is moving heaven
and earth TO obtain an Introduction"
IL he dare, muttered Delano, his hand
closing on knife which lay ON the buffet.
| The next moment he recovered his COM
pOsure, and with curt " Good evening,
| Colonel Nevlns, passed into another room.
On returning To the ballroom Colonel
| Nevins passed Mrs. DE Lanoey, whose in-
terest in Mr.. Egerton's proceedings, US
well rs her anxiety about the RUG, which
she had not yet induced Egerton to re-
| linquish, had by this time passed beyond
her control SO palpable was her agita-
ton that Colonel Nevins in joining her
mad no hesitation in inquiring whether