been sought for. Thither, with faltering
footsteps, ere even these opportunities should pass, stepped the
minister from Great Britain and the minister from Spain, their ladies
with them--none offering escort.

Well disposed to smile at his chief's audacious overturning of all
social usage, yet not unadvised of the seriousness of all this,
Meriwether Lewis handed the distinguished guests to their seats as
best he might; and then left them as best he might.

At that time there were not six vacant places remaining at the long
table. No one seemed to know how many had been invited to the banquet,
or how many were expected--no one in the company seemed to know anyone
else. It was indeed a pell-mell affair.

For once the American democracy was triumphant. But the leader of that
democracy, the head of the new administration, the host at this
official banquet, the President of the United States, Thomas
Jefferson, stood quietly, serenely, looking out over the long table,
entirely unconcerned with what he saw. If there was trouble, it was
for others, not for him.

Those at table presently began to seat themselves, following the
host's example. It was at this moment that the young captain of
affairs turned once more toward the great doors, with the intention of
closing them. Old Henry was having his own battles with the remaining
audience in the anteroom, as he now brought forward two belated
guests. Old Henry, be sure, knew them both; and--as a look at the
sudden change of his features might have told--so did Mr. Jefferson's
aide.

They advanced with dignity, these two--one a gentleman, not tall, but
elegant, exquisitely clad in full-dress costume; a man whom you would
have turned to examine a second time had you met him anywhere. Upon
his arm was a young woman, also beautifully costumed, smiling,
graceful, entirely at her ease. Many present knew the two--Aaron Burr,
Vice-President of the United States; his daughter, Theodosia Burr
Alston.

Mr. Burr passed within the great doors, turned and bowed deeply to his
host, distant as he was across the crowded room. His daughter
curtsied, also deeply. Their entry was dramatic. Then they stood, a
somewhat stately picture, waiting for an instant while seemingly
deciding their future course.

It was at this moment that Meriwether Lewis approached them,
beckoning. He led them toward the few seats that still remained
unoccupied, placed them near to the official visitors, whose ruffl