m an entire
chapter has been written by an observing English traveler!) came
forward leisurely; a Brummell in attire; an Aristarchus for taste!
Since his period--or reign--there have been many imitators; but he was
the first; indeed, created the office, and is deserving of a permanent
place in American annals. "His formality just bordered on stiffness,"
wrote the interested Briton, as though he were studying some new
example of the human species; "his conversation was elegant, but
pointed, as he was gifted with a cultured economy of language. He
accomplished by inflection what many people can only attain through
volubility."

"Yes?" he interrogatively remarked, gazing down at the caller in the
present instance.

"Is Colonel Saint-Prosper stopping here?"

"Yes."

"Send this card to his room."

"Yes?" Doubtfully.

"Is there any reason why you shouldn't?"

"There was a military banquet last night," interposed the quiet,
little man. "Patriotism bubbled over until morning."

"Ah, yes," commented Culver--for it was he--"fought their battles over
again! Some of them in the hospital to-day! Well, well, they suffered
in a glorious cause, toasting the president, and the army, and the
flag, and the girls they left behind them! I read the account of it in
the papers this morning. Grand speech of the bishop; glorious response
of 'Old Rough and Ready'! You are right to protect sleeping heroes,
but I'm afraid I must run the guard, as my business is urgent."

A few moments later the lawyer, breathing heavily, followed a colored
lad down a crimson-carpeted corridor, pausing before a door upon which
his guide knocked vigorously and then vanished.

"Colonel Saint-Prosper?" said the lawyer, as he obeyed the voice
within and entered the room, where a tall young man in civilian attire
was engaged in packing a small trunk. "One moment, pray--let me catch
my breath. That lad accomplished the ascent two steps at a time, and,
I fear, the spectacle stimulated me to unusual expedition. We're apt
to forget we are old and can't keep up with boys and monkeys!"

During this somewhat playful introduction the attorney was studying
the occupant of the room with keen, bright gaze; a glance which, without
being offensive, was sufficiently penetrating and comprehensive to
convey a definite impression of the other's face and figure. The
soldier returned his visitor's look deliberately, but with no surprise.

"Won't you sit down?" he said.