tary.

"You will be very careful in your report," the latter began at once in
a business-like manner. "And you will submit the same to me for
approval before it is published in your magazine. Mr. Ames deems that
imperative, since your recent publication of an essay on modern
society in this city. I have a list here of the guests, their business
and social standing, and other data. You will run that in full. You
will say that this is the most brilliant assemblage ever gathered
under one roof in New York. The wealth represented here to-night will
total not less than three billion dollars. The jewels alone displayed
will foot up not less than twenty millions. Now, let me see," again
consulting her notes.

Haynerd stole a covert glance at Carmen and winked.

"The chef," the secretary resumed, "was brought over from Paris by
Mrs. Ames on her recent return. His name, Pierre Lotard, descendant of
the famous chef of the Emperor Napoleon First. He considers that his
menu to-night surpasses anything he ever before achieved."

"May I ask," interrupted Haynerd, "the probable cost of the supper?"

"Yes, perhaps you had better mention that item. It will be in the
neighborhood of three hundred dollars a plate. House and table
decorations, about eight thousand dollars. Here is a copy of the menu.
Run it in full. The menu cards were hand-illuminated by Parisian
artists, and each bears a sketch illustrative or suggestive of the
guest to whom it is given."

"Cost?" queried Haynerd off-handedly.

"Three thousand, if I correctly recall it," was the nonchalant reply.
"As to the viands, you will mention that they have been gathered from
every part of the world. Now come with me, and I will give you a hasty
sketch of the house, while the guests are assembling in the grand
salon. Then you will remain in the balcony, where you will make what
notes you wish on the dress displayed. Refreshments will be served to
you later in this waiting room. I need not remind you that you are not
expected to mingle with the guests, nor to address any one. Keep to
the balcony, and quite out of view."

Opening a door opposite the one through which she had entered, the
young woman led her charges directly out upon the great marble balcony
overlooking the grand salon below. A rush of brilliant light engulfed
them, and a potpourri of chatter and laughter, mingled with soft music
from a distant organ, and the less distinct notes of the orchestra in
the still