d think of nothing else. In vain did Chapman demur to the great
expense and the folly of keeping up appearances under such
circumstances. In vain did he insinuate the probable necessity of
inventing a new religion as a means of bringing his revenues up to his
necessities. A necklace of pearls and a diamond ring had been got for
Mattie, and now a demand was made for a new and expensive dress. If
there was anything in the world Chapman admired and submitted to it was
his wife. In his thoughts she was above everything else, and he would
surrender to her demands, no matter at what sacrifice. As for Mattie, he
never seemed to care much about her, nor indeed to regard her with
anything more than ordinary affection.

There was no getting along without the ball, Mrs. Chapman said. West
Bowling Green had given two or three balls, and had not condescended to
send her an invitation. It was very mortifying to get the cut direct in
this way. She must bring West Bowling Green down by showing that she
could give a ball of her own. And then it would be such a relief to her
pride. And, too, it would be just the thing to show Mattie off to the
best advantage. Mr. Gusher would shine brilliantly in a ball room, and
so would Mattie, and if the young people could be reconciled in that
way, why it would be money well spent.

Mrs. Topman was delighted at the prospect, and so was Gusher. And both
had been going about among their friends for a week sounding the trumpet
of Mrs. Chapman's ball, as well as telling their friends that the
Chapmans were rich and very distinguished people. Bowling Green, then,
was in a flutter that night. Chapman's house was brilliantly lighted,
and carriages began to arrive and set down their gaily-attired occupants
ere St. Paul's clock had struck nine. Then there was such a tripping of
delicately turned little feet, such a flashing of underskirts, such a
witching of perfumed silks and satins, such a display of white arms and
white shoulders, as each bevy of beauties vaulted up the steps and were
bowed into the house by the polite Mr. Bowles. Bowles felt himself an
important element in the dignity of the family that night. His mistress
had got him a new blue coat with large brass buttons, and a white
waistcoat that reached nearly to his knees, and gave him the appearance
of a huge ball of snow surmounted by an illuminated globe painted black.
Bowles had delivered most of the invitations, and firmly believed that
his