The long, gentle, sloping, velvety lawn, stretching away from the broad steps of the great columned piazza, down to the placid waters of the Willamette, was artistically beautified by clusters of magnolias and chestnut trees and native oaks and firs, while the soft sway of advanced Autumn was disclosed in the mellow, gorgeous tints of the oak and maple leaf projected against the dark evergreen of the stately fir; and afar off, to the north, through vistas in the foliage, gleamed the steady electric arc lights of the city. Marble statuary glistened in white repose, and groups of majestic palms and ferns and holly stood illumined in the soft light of frosted electric globes and quaint Oriental lanterns. Out from the deep shadow of a wide-spreading oak, and remote from the range of illumination, an old, decrepit and poorly clad man emerged, peering cautiously about, as if afraid of discovery. As he approached near the house and came under the gleams of light, it could be seen that he was gray-haired and a cripple, for he hobbled slowly with the aid of a stout stick. He proceeded to a clump of ferns and close to a high-back, rustic seat, behind which he stood partially concealed. Feeling satisfied that he had not been seen, and that he was alone, that part of the grounds being temporarily deserted, he muttered impatiently: "Where the devil does Rutley keep himself? I've been dodging about these grounds for an hour trying to locate him, and to get posted." The words had scarcely escaped his lips when down behind the seat he ducked. Simultaneously, Virginia Thorpe and William Harris appeared, descending the piazza steps. "Congratulations, Mr. Harris, on your reception. It is a brilliant affair, and the grounds are simply beautiful." "I am delighted at receiving congratulations from a lady whose taste is acknowledged without a peer." "Now, Mr. Harris, you know I object to flattery," responded Virginia, in a deprecating tone of voice. "Why, I have lost my fan. How unfortunate! I fear I have dropped it in the ball-room." "I shall try to find it immediately. No, no; no trouble whatever." "Thanks, Mr. Harris. I shall await your return here." As Mr. Harris hastened up the steps, Virginia leisurely moved a few yards, and then sat down on a seat, quite unconscious of the figure crouched in hiding behind it. The proximity of Virginia did not suit the fellow, and he forthwith endeavored to sneak away unseen, but the noise, faint as he made, attracted her attention. She sprang to her feet with a slight, terrified shriek, but quickly recovering her self-possession, as she noted his aged and bent condition, gently said: "Poor old man, your intrusion on these premises may be unwelcome." After a pause, evidently for an answer, she went on kindly: "Do you seek alms?"