ets
with such; but with the almost feminine pensiveness which characterized
his manly features, we meet seldom. Tall and commanding in his
appearance, his dark, glossy hair, and finely curved mustache, gave a
fine effect to his noble countenance, the peculiar light of his eye
speaking volumes.

Such was the character of our friend Delwood, whom we shall shortly
usher into the presence of Miss Winnie Santon, that we may find what
success those penetrating eyes, which grew big with mischief even in a
prairie home, shall have in lifting the veil which concealed in a
measure the true sentiments of a noble heart from the world at large.

We give our readers an insight to the character of Richard Montague at
once, when we say that he was what is commonly termed "a young man about
town." By some means, a mystery, even to himself, he had gained a
foothold among the upper classes of society, and by dint of strict
observance of the manners of others, he had been thus far enabled to
retain his position. What his prospects in regard to pecuniary affairs
were, no one was able to say; suffice it, that there had been rumors of
an old bachelor uncle, who was much increased in this world's goods,
whose trembling hand held the desired treasure over the young man's
head; and as this report had not been corrected by Montague, he not
being over-burdened with many scruples of conscience, it is not
surprising that there should have been those, who looked upon him as a
desirable match for their dowerless daughters; but he, having realized
the desolation which empty pockets can produce, was now living upon the
hope that he might build upon his fortune, which never had foundation,
by introducing himself among the fair ones of uppertendom, as a
candidate for matrimony. For some time he had had an eye to the
well-filled purse of Winnie Santon, and he had looked forward to this
night, when she should make her _debut_, with as great interest as had
Winnie herself. Could he once get initiated into her good graces, he had
no fears for the rest; and he had already visions of what he was
pleased to term, "Old Santon's chest of gold." The attentions with which
Winnie had received him, on former occasions, had served in no way to
lessen his confidence as to his success, and with this end in view, his
steps were bent towards the scene of gaiety. Reasons best known to
himself, forbidding him to pass Mr. Delwood, whom he overtook on
the way.

"Quite an a