our health, and your prospect of a glorious
sleigh ride," and she rested jeweled fingers on the sparkling glass
before her.

Pliny's head was throbbing, and the blood seemed racing in torrents
through his veins. He turned a stern, fierce look upon the lady by his
side, muttered in low hoarse tones, "Pledge me for a glorious fool as I
am," drained his glass to the very bottom, and abruptly left the table
and the room. And Miss De Witt was serenely and courteously surprised,
while the embarrassed mother covered her son's retreat as best she
might, and Dora sat white and silent. On the table in Pliny's room lay a
carefully-worded note of apology and explanation from Pliny to Ben
Phillips. It was folded and ready for delivery. Pliny dashed up to his
room, seized upon the note and consigned it to the glowing coals in the
grate, then rang his bell furiously and left this message in its stead:

"Tell Phillips when he calls that I'm going, and he'll find me at
Harcourt's."

[Illustration]

CHAPTER XXIII.

JUDGMENTS.

Only a few of the clerks had assembled as yet at the great store. It was
still early morning, and the business of the day had not commenced when
young McPherson rushed in, breathless, and in his haste nearly
overturned a clerk near the door; then he stopped, panting as he
questioned:

"Is Mr. Mallery in?"

"Yes, sir; he's always in. It's my opinion he sleeps in the safe," added
his informant, in discontented under tone. Theodore's promptness was
sometimes a great inconvenience to the sleepy clerks.

"I want him immediately. Where is he?"

"In the private office, sir. We have sent for him," said Tommy, coming
forward with the air of one who was at least a partner. Two minutes more
and Theodore was beside him.

"There's been an accident," explained Jim, rapidly, "and you are very
much needed."

"Where, and for what?"

"At the Euclid House. Pliny Hastings and Ben Phillips, they were thrown
from their carriage. Hastings asked for you at once."

Theodore glanced behind him and issued a few brief directions.

"Tommy, bring my hat. Edwards, keep these keys in your safe until Mr.
Stephens comes. Holden, tell Mr. Jennings when he calls that the bill of
sale is made out, and shall be ready for him at noon. Tommy, you may
take the letters that are on my desk to the post-office. Now, McPherson,
I am ready. Give me the particulars. Is it serious?"

"I fear so. What few particulars we know is that t