The strains of music from the hidden orchestra rise and fall to the time of a popular march. No longer the low serenade or the sad sweet lullaby that falls like the rippling of running water on the ears of those who converse, but the strong, joyous marching music that means in so many words, “get your partner and advance upon the food that has been prepared by the first caterer of the World’s Fair City.” Double doors glide open and a royal spread is disclosed, as only a millionaire can afford in such tight times. There is the usual delightful bustle; a dozen seem imbued with the same thought, and seek out Miss Dorothy only to find that the “young wooer from over the border” has been too quick for Chicago, since she is already at the head of the line, with Aleck Craig at her side. The feast is a jolly time. Light of heart are those present. The hard times give them no occasion for worry. Not once does a soul present, in the midst of this abundance, cast a single thought upon the thousands who see the coming of fall and winter with dread because that they have no work. These butterflies of fashion know little of corroding care. The value of the gems sparkling upon the persons of millionaires’ wives and daughters at Samson Cereal’s reception would keep food in the families of all Chicago’s poor for a twelvemonth. At last the feast is over, and they repair again to the brilliant drawing and ball rooms where there is to be singing and dancing. What remains of the night will be passed thus; and, as is usual, the last stragglers cannot be expected to go until the small hours of the morning. Aleck would under ordinary circumstances have gone long before, but somehow he cannot tear himself away while others remain. Nor can he understand what it is that chains him unless it is love that fills his heart. It begins to appear a very serious business, and Craig takes himself to task several times about it. The company has dwindled down to a few, and Aleck resolves upon leaving. Wycherley has gone, actually seeing a banker’s daughter home like the audacious fellow he is. Craig has promised to come around in the morning and help translate the tale Phœnix left behind him in shorthand--which is to disclose the intended plans of the wily Turk. Feeling very much at peace with himself and the world in general, Aleck is descending the stairs after having donned his light overcoat, and secured his hat, when there rings through the house the sudden shriek of a woman. He knows that it comes from the ladies’ dressing room, and without losing a second makes a dash in that direction. On the way he overtakes Samson Cereal, and together the two push through the door into the apartment. What they see is an appalling spectacle!