"What is the matter?" asked Edith innocently. "Yes," echoed Zell, rising, "what is the matter with _you_, Mr. Van Dam? Are you asleep, that you are so quiet? Tell us about your divinity." "I am an astronomer and fire-worshipper, somewhat dazzled at present by the nearness and brilliancy of my bright luminary." "Nonsense! your sight is failing, and you have mistaken a will-o'-the-wisp for the sun. "'Dancing here, dancing there, Catch it if you can and dare,'" and she flitted away before him. He followed with his intent eyes and graceful, serpent-like gliding, knowing her to be under a spell that would soon bring her fluttering back. After circling round him a few moments she took his arm and he commenced breathing into her ear the poison of his passion. No woman could remain the same after being with Mr. Van Dam. Out of the evil abundance of his heart he spoke, but the venom of his words and manner were all the more deadly because so subtle, so minutely and delicately distributed, that it was like a pestilential atmosphere, in which truth and purity withered. No parent should permit to his daughters the companionship of a thoroughly bad man, whatever his social standing. His very tone and glance are unconsciously demoralizing, and, even if he tries, he cannot prevent the bitter waters overflowing from their bad source, his heart. Mr. Van Dam did not try. He meant to secure Zell, with or without her father's approval, believing that when the marriage was once consummated Mr. Allen's consent and money would follow eventually. For some little time longer the young ladies and their favored attendants strolled about the room in quiet tete-a-tete, and then the gentlemen bowed themselves out. The door-bell had rung several times during the evening, but Hannibal, with the solemnity of a funeral, had quenched each comer by saying with the decision of the voice of fate: "De ladies am engaged, sah," and no Cerberus at the door, or mailed warder of the middle ages, could have proved such an effectual barrier against all intruders as this old negro in his white waistcoat and stiff necktie, backed by the usage of modern society. Indeed, in some respects he was a greater potentate than old King Canute, for he could say to the human passions, inclinations, and desires that surged up to Mr. Allen's front door, "Thus far and no farther." But upon this evening there was a caller who looked with cool, undaunted eyes upon the stiff necktie and solemn visage rising above it, and to Hannibal's reiterated statement, "Dey _am_ engaged," replied in a quiet tone of command: "Take that card to Miss Edith." Even Hannibal's sovereignty broke down before this persistent, imperturbable visitor, and scratching his head with a perplexed grin he half soliloquized, half replied: "Miss Edith mighty 'ticlar to hab her orders obeyed." "I am the best judge in this case," was the decisive response. "You take the card and I will be responsible."