Three years after the close of these events there were gathered in a box of the Metropolitan Opera, Mr. and Mrs. Gunther, senior, the Teddy Beechers, Bruce Gunther and a Miss Clarice Fanning, of the Virginia Fannings, a young girl demure, direct, with already in the youthful instincts of her pose more than a suggestion of the dignity and elegance which would come to grace the woman. From time to time, by a little movement of her fan, she brought to her shoulder for a whispered comment Bruce Gunther, who, though he had seated himself behind Mrs. Beecher, was compensated by the advantage of thus exchanging glances. All these little messages, which the young girl flattered herself were so cleverly executed as to remain invisible, were seen by every one in the box with discreet enjoyment. At the end of the act the two young men excused themselves and departed to make a round of visits. "Nan’s charming, Ted," said Gunther, who saw them both for the first time since their long stay in Europe. He added with the extra enthusiasm with which a man of the world conveys his surprise at an unexpected development: "By George! she has the manners of a duchess! The governor, crabby old critic, too, is quite won over by her." "She has developed beautifully," said Beecher, with a certain proprietary responsibility which young husbands feel deeply. "She is a remarkable woman! ... remarkable!" "Well, you fooled all the prophets," said Gunther in his blunt way. "How so?" "We gave you a year, at the most," said Gunther, who stopped short and looked at his friend as though to ask the explanation of such a miracle. "My wife adores me," said Beecher, with a smile. Gunther smiled to himself and thought that if the wife had developed as though by right into the sure and brilliant woman of the world, the husband at heart had retained the same boyish irreverence of the mysterious depths of life. "You ought to get into something, Ted," he said abruptly. "You can’t loaf in America! ... I’ll give you an opening." "That’s why the Missus brought me back," said Beecher. "Look out, I may take up that offer!" This reply, unconsciously delivered, gave Gunther the first glimpse of light into the perplexing success of his friend’s marriage. "Well, where’s the first call?" he said, registering in his mind this last perception. "I want to drop in on Mrs. Fontaine, Mrs. Slade," ... he considered a moment and added, "Mrs. Bloodgood, too, I am anxious to see..." "Don’t forget Emma Fornez ... you ought to go behind," said Gunther, for the opera was _Carmen_. "Yes," said Beecher, with a little hesitation. "Next act ... Let’s drop in on Louise Fontaine, first..." "There are reasons ... just at present..." said Gunther with a slight frown. "Anyhow, here’s Slade’s box—let’s begin here." Mrs. Slade at their entrance rose directly, and came to meet them in the antechamber.