ipped into the chair,
withdrawing at once from the company's notice. He stared fixedly at
his plate and did not speak again. Old Miss Baker began to talk volubly
across the table to Mrs. Sieppe about hot-house flowers and medicated
flannels.

It was in the midst of this little impromptu supper that the engagement
of Trina and the dentist was announced. In a pause in the chatter of
conversation Mrs. Sieppe leaned forward and, speaking to the agent,
said:

"Vell, you know also my daughter Trina get married bretty soon. She and
der dentist, Doktor McTeague, eh, yes?"

There was a general exclamation.

"I thought so all along," cried Miss Baker, excitedly. "The first time I
saw them together I said, 'What a pair!'"

"Delightful!" exclaimed the agent, "to be married and win a snug little
fortune at the same time."

"So--So," murmured Old Grannis, nodding at his plate.

"Good luck to you," cried Maria.

"He's lucky enough already," growled Marcus under his breath, relapsing
for a moment into one of those strange moods of sullenness which had
marked him throughout the evening.

Trina flushed crimson, drawing shyly nearer her mother. McTeague grinned
from ear to ear, looking around from one to another, exclaiming "Huh!
Huh!"

But the agent rose to his feet, a newly filled beer glass in his hand.
He was a man of the world, this agent. He knew life. He was suave and
easy. A diamond was on his little finger.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began. There was an instant silence. "This
is indeed a happy occasion. I--I am glad to be here to-night; to be a
witness to such good fortune; to partake in these--in this celebration.
Why, I feel almost as glad as if I had held four three oughts twelve
myself; as if the five thousand were mine instead of belonging to our
charming hostess. The good wishes of my humble self go out to Miss
Sieppe in this moment of her good fortune, and I think--in fact, I
am sure I can speak for the great institution, the great company I
represent. The company congratulates Miss Sieppe. We--they--ah--They
wish her every happiness her new fortune can procure her. It has been my
duty, my--ah--cheerful duty to call upon the winners of large prizes
and to offer the felicitation of the company. I have, in my experience,
called upon many such; but never have I seen fortune so happily bestowed
as in this case. The company have dowered the prospective bride. I am
sure I but echo the sentiments of this assembly