usiasm, "I should have said
'exquisite'. May I learn it?"

"Surely there must be a copy in the city. I shall consider it a favor to
procure one for you."

"I should be delighted, I am sure."

He played it again. She regarded him from above. It was astonishing to
note the perfect ease and grace with which he performed. The erect
carriage, the fine cut of the head, the delicately carved features
became the objects of her attention in their inverse order, and the
richly endowed talents, with which he was so signally accomplished,
furnished objects of special consideration to her reflective soul. He
was exceedingly fascinating and a dangerous object to pit against the
heart of any woman. Still Marjorie was shrewd enough to peer beneath his
superficial qualities, allowing herself to become absorbed in a
penetrating study of the man, his character, his peculiarities;--so
absorbed, in fact, that the door behind her opened and closed without
attracting her attention.

"I must obtain that copy," she announced as she turned towards her
chair.

"Why, Father!" she exclaimed. "When did you come? Mr. Anderson, Father.
You already know him."

"Well met, my boy. You are somewhat of a musician. I was listening."

"Just enough for my own amusement," laughed the younger man. "I know a
few notes."

"Be not quick to believe him, Father. He plays beautifully."

Mr. Allison sat down.

"Accomplishments are useful ornaments. Nowadays a man succeeds best who
can best impress. People want to see one's gifts."

"The greatest of talents often lie buried. Prosperity thrives on
pretense."

"True. I'm beginning to think that way myself, the way things 're
going."

"With the war?" he asked.

"With everything. I think Congress will fail to realize its boasts, and
Arnold is a huge pretender, and----"

"He has lost favor with the people."

"Lost it? He never had it from the day he arrived. People do not like
that sort of thing."

Anderson watched him intently and Marjorie watched Anderson.

"He may resign for a command in the army. I have heard it said that he
dislikes his office."

"Would to God he did! Or else go over to the other side."

Anderson's head turned--the least little fraction--so that Marjorie
could see the flash light up his eyes.

"He could not desert the cause now without becoming a traitor."

A pause followed.

"Men of lofty patriotism often disagree in the manner of political
action. We have many Loyalis