Luella's wedding. She is to be
married next Thursday evening to an Italian count. Probably you have
suitable attire, or, if not, you can easily obtain it. Give me your
address."

"Thank you, sir. I am not sure whether my mother will attend, but I
shall be happy to do so."

The door opened, and Raymond Ferguson entered.

"Good evening, Raymond," said Fred pleasantly.

"Good evening," answered Raymond, coldly.

"Your cousin Frederick has been very fortunate," said the elder
Ferguson genially. "He and his mother have come into some thousands of
dollars, and he is receiving a handsome salary from Mr. Wainwright, the
banker. I shall be glad to see you two intimate."

"Is that so?" asked Raymond, thawing.

"I am glad to say it is," answered Fred.

"Would you like to invite your cousin to attend the theater, Raymond?"

"Just what I was going to ask. There is a good play on at Wallack's."

"Very well! Here is a five-dollar bill."

"Come along, Fred," said Raymond, who had made up his mind it would be
wise to cultivate the acquaintance of his once despised relative.

Before they parted for the evening, Raymond borrowed five dollars of
Fred, and struck up a close friendship with him. While Fred understood
perfectly well what had produced this remarkable change in his cousin
he was philosophical enough to take the world as he found it, and
accepted Raymond's advances.

The next day wedding cards, elaborately engraved were received at
Fred's modest home, requesting Mrs. Fenton and her son's presence at
the marriage ceremony of Luella Ferguson and Count Vincento Cattelli.
But an unexpected circumstance prevented the nuptials from being
celebrated.

One evening the count and Miss Ferguson were sitting at supper at
Delmonico's. At a table near by sat a gentleman, who watched the young
couple with curious attention. He rose finally and approached them.

"Miss Ferguson, I believe," he said.

"Yes, sir."

"I don't know if you remember me, but I dined at your father's house
one evening in February. My name is Stanwood."

"I remember you now, Mr. Stanwood. Let me make you acquainted with
Count Cattelli."

"I am honored," said Stanwood with a curious smile.

"This lady is my affianced bride," said the count,

"Indeed! I congratulate you. By the way, haven't I met you before?"

"If you have been in Italy, sare. I am Count Cattelli of Milan."

Stanwood smiled slightly, and returned to his own table.

The next d