Without losing any time he visited Lena, and was shown into the reception-room. Presently Lena entered, looking more than usually sweet and charming. There was some slight embarrassment in her manner, as she held out her hand and requested him to be seated. "I am so sorry you cannot come with us," he said. "So am I," she replied. "But I am glad to have an opportunity of explaining. There is no gentleman of my acquaintance whom I esteem more than I do you." Jack bowed politely, and felt that he could have laid down his life for her, for saying those words. "My brother," she continued, "has read something about you in a journal, and he says I ought not to receive your visits. I feel that there must be some mistake. If you could only see my brother and explain--" A tall gentleman, a few years older than Jack, entered the room at this moment. "No explanation is necessary," he exclaimed. Jack flushed indignantly. "I presume," he said, "I have the honor of addressing Mr. Alfred Van Hoosen?" "That is my name," replied the new-comer, stiffly. "And the brother of this lady?" "Precisely, sir." "In that case, your relationship prevents me from taking the notice of your words which I otherwise should." "Oh, sir," said Alfred Van Hoosen, as he smiled sarcastically, "pray do not let that stand in your way." "I was simply desirous of assuring your sister that there was absolutely no foundation for the report to which she alluded." "The case speaks for itself." "Am I to understand that you do not consider me a proper person to visit at your house?" "That is what I intended to convey to you, and I have to thank you for saving me the trouble of expressing myself." Jack turned to Lena, regarding her almost with an imploring glance. "Do you concur in your brother's opinion?" he asked. She would not trust herself to speak, but inclined her head. Burning with mortification, Jack quitted the house with despair in his heart, for it seemed as if Lena was lost to him forever. In order to regain her good-will it would be necessary to satisfy her brother, and as he would listen to no explanation, this course seemed impossible. For some time he was inconsolable, but he determined to go to the race all the same, hoping that he might at least see Lena there. It was a lovely day, and all the wealth and fashion of New York was hastening toward the Park. On Eighth avenue they passed an open carriage, in which were seated Miss Van Hoosen and her mother. In spite of his dismissal of the day before, Jack ventured to raise his hat, but Lena did not bow, though he fancied her eyes appeared to seek his. "Fine girl that," remarked a gentleman who sat by Jack. "You appear to know her." "Yes," replied Jack, "I met them in Paris--that is--her mother and herself." "Fine family. Best in New York. Regular Knickerbocker stock. Are you acquainted with her brother?" "I have met him," said Jack a little confused. "He rides to-day."