operly groomed," he told me.

"That's nonsense," I told him, severely. "I have just had a wireless
informing me that I am a back number. Why are you no longer receiving at
the side of your intended bride? She looks exceedingly handsome and
graceful."

"The engagement has really not been announced yet," he answered. "It is
not official. The Van Rossums are going to Florida, because the old
gentleman has lost some tarpon he wants to find again. After that they
are going to California where he is to look up something about an oil
well. I may possibly run over there to see them. The--It won't happen
for ever so long, perhaps not till fall. Wish I could go out with you
and beat you at billiards, but I'm to stay till the bitter end. Isn't
she looking splendidly?"

My eyes turned to where Miss Van Rossum was still receiving guests. She
was certainly a fine creature, full of the joy of living. If some of her
tastes in the way of pursuits were somewhat masculine, it detracted
nothing from her elegance and charm. These might, in later years, become
rather exuberant, I reflected, looking at the amplitude of form
displayed by her parents, but, after all, none of us are beyond the
grasp of Father Time.

"Just as splendidly as she does in your exquisite painting," I replied,
nodding towards the portrait, wonderfully framed, that stood on an easel
in the best light that could have been found for it.

A moment later he was torn away from me. From time to time he returned
to the side of the young lady, who was always much occupied in
conversation and pleasant laughter with many friends.

If Gordon thinks that the engagement is as yet something of a secret, he
is badly in error. Hints, glances, little movements of heads in his
direction, constantly apprised me that the information was scattered far
and wide. Two dowagers close to me indulged in a stage whisper that
revealed to me the fact that they wondered whether the projected
marriage would not be something of a _mesalliance_ on the part of dear
Sophia.

"After all, you know, he's nothing but a painter, and no one heard of
him until three or four years ago!"

"But they say he charges enormously," said the other.

This, evidently, was quite a redeeming feature in my friend's favor, but
I am afraid it was the only one, from their point of view.

I soon decided that I had done my full duty and sought the stairway
again. Here, I once more ran into Gordon.

"I know just what