nstant visitor at the home of
the Remsens', but he seemed a welcome one. He certainly was a most
entertaining man, and his manners utterly unapproachable. He had
travelled, and not only had seen the world, but had observed it, which
is another thing. The result of this was that he had a fund of narrative
always at his disposal, and his conversation was so attractive that he
easily monopolized the attention of a _coterie_ at any social gathering.
Mr. Randolph noted with growing uneasiness that Dora was always one of
the group who listened to these tales. What disturbed him most, was that
after the greatest amount of time spent and wasted, in seeking some
flagrant defect in the man's character, he was at last compelled to
acknowledge to himself that he had nothing against Mr. Thauret, except a
prejudice. But that prejudice was as great, if not greater, than ever.
He determined at length to speak to Mr. Mitchel about it, and did so one
afternoon when the rooms were crowded, his rival being as usual the
centre of an attentive group.

"Mitchel," he began, "how the deuce did that fellow Thauret get into
this family?"

"Dora met him somewhere, I believe. Why?"

"Why? Can you ask that?"

"Can I? Why certainly I can. I did ask you,--Why?"

"I declare, Mitchel, you are either as blind as a bat, or else you have
eyes only for Miss Emily. Don't you see the danger that the younger
sister is in, associating with that man?"

"Well now, Randolph, to be candid, I must admit I do not see the danger.
What is it?"

"Why, suppose--suppose she fell in love with him? Suppose she married
him!"

"Well, what then?"

"What then? You would provoke a saint. You talk as coolly about that
child's throwing herself away on a--a nobody--as though we were
discussing a shot at billiards."

"Randolph, my friend, let me give you a bit of advice. When a man wishes
to marry a girl, there are two important rules which he must observe,
and both of them I believe you have neglected."

"What do you mean?"

"Before I explain, let me ask you a question. Am I right in supposing
that you wish to marry Dora yourself?"

"Well, that is rather pointed. However, I will admit the truth. I would
be happy to have her love."

"Very well. I will tell you those two rules. The first is, 'Never speak
ill of your rival.' The second is, 'Don't be too late asking for the
young lady.'"

Randolph looked at Mr. Mitchel a moment intently, then offered his hand,
whi