"Just a week ago to-night: and they are so devoted!" "A second Romeo and Juliet, eh?"--Louis' laugh had a bitter ring,--"By the way, what is his name?" "Simpson Kennard." "Brother Simp! Rich, I suppose?" "Oh, yes, very. In fact he is eligible in every way." "I see," yawned Louis, "Possessed of all the cardinal virtues. It is a good thing his wealth is not all in his pockets, for they are apt to spring a leak. But Evadne--how is she?" "Oh, she is always well, you know," said his mother carelessly. "There they come now." "These Indian famines are a terrible business," said Judge Hildreth as they lingered over their dessert that evening. It was pleasant to have Louis and Evadne back again. He too was glad to see his son so well. "I don't see what the end is going to be." "People say that about every calamity, Papa," said Isabelle, "but the world goes on just the same." "Of course it does, Isabelle," said her brother. "You see we can't waste time over a few dying millions when we have to give a reception for instance." "But that is a necessity, Louis," said Mrs. Hildreth, "we must pay our debts to society, you know." "I am sure I don't see where I could economize," sighed Marion. "That lecturer last night was splendid and I would like to have given him thousands but I hadn't a dollar in my purse. I never have. I spent my last cent for chocolates yesterday." Evadne smiled and sighed but said nothing. The lecturer the night before had felt his soul strangely stirred at the sight of her glowing face, and the plate when it passed her seat had borne a shining gold piece, but perhaps she had not as many temptations as Marion and Isabelle. "I would have willingly filled you up a check with the cost of the floral decorations, Marion," said her father with a twinkle in his eye. "They would have purchased a good many bags of corn." "But that is ridiculous!" said Isabelle. "What would a reception be without flowers, I should like to know? As it is, I expect it will be a poor affair compared to the Van Nuys' last week. We never seem to be able to do anything in proper style. You would better put your new Worth gown, on the collection plate, Marion, and appear in a morning dress to-morrow night. Louis would be the first one to be scandalized if you did!" "Well but, Isabelle, I had to have something now. I have worn my other dresses so many times, I am perfectly ashamed." "Of course, sis," said Louis gravely, "it was a most imperative expenditure. It is a strange coincidence that you should have chosen that particular make though. It has always been a fancy of mine that the Levite was robed in a Worth gown when he passed by on the other side." "The sufferings must be awful," said Evadne, anxious to relieve Marion's embarrassment. "I saw in the paper to-day that----"