For five minutes, then, the work went rapidly on, when, springing triumphantly from his chair, Auburn exclaimed, “There, coz, it is done! not a feature but is perfect. Come, judge for yourself, if it is not to the life.” Kate admitted the correctness of her cousin’s pencil, and then added, “You had best unsay that rash oath of yours, however; for I have come to summon you to tea this evening, where you will meet one whose slightest glance will subdue at once your boasted intrepidity.” “I have no fears, Kate, yet must decline; as I have already several engagements on hand for the evening.” “Better own that, coward-like, you shun the encounter—and well you may; for, ah, Harry, such a charming girl!” “Who is she?—have I ever seen her?” “_Seen_ her! and yet ask that question. Why you cool, self-satisfied fellow! Think you, you could have asserted such heresy as just now fell from your lips had you ever met my lovely friend?” “But you have not yet told me the name of your paragon.” “No—nor shall I, in revenge for your obstinacy. But here I sit chatting with you when ma’ma is waiting for me at home. I suppose, my dainty cousin, you will condescend to be my escort.” “And esteem myself most fortunate, I assure you, to enjoy that privilege.” Arm in arm, therefore, they then proceeded to the street, and were soon immerged with the gay, moving throng up Broadway. Leaving Kate at the door of her father’s residence, in the upper part of the city, Auburn turned and strolled leisurely down this great thoroughfare of fashion. And no small ordeal is it for a bachelor, let him be even as inexorable to all the fascinations of beauty as Auburn has declared himself to be—no small thing is it to pass unscathed along this _rendezvous_ of fair foes. It was really provoking, however, to see with what an air of nonchalance he suffered many a graceful, lovely form to flit by him; and sweet young faces, which ought to have set his heart beating, and eyes which should have dazzled by their brilliancy; to see their claims to admiration so stubbornly unrecognized would have tried the patience of any reasonable man.