cognized and
who nodded to him pleasantly and at the same time gave an order to a
servant, pointing at Arkwright as he did so. Some of the gentlemen
wore their business suits, and one opposite Arkwright was still in his
overcoat, and held his hat in his hand. These latter seemed to have
arrived after the dinner had begun, for they formed a second line
back of those who had places at the table; they all seemed to know one
another and were talking with much vivacity and interest.

Stanton did not attempt to introduce Arkwright to his guests
individually, but said: "Gentlemen, this is Mr. Arkwright, of whom I
have been telling you, the young gentleman who has done such magnificent
work for the cause of Cuba." Those who caught Arkwright's eye nodded to
him, and others raised their glasses at him, but with a smile that
he could not understand. It was as though they all knew something
concerning him of which he was ignorant. He noted that the faces of some
were strangely familiar, and he decided that he must have seen their
portraits in the public prints. After he had introduced Arkwright, the
senator drew his chair slightly away from him and turned in what seemed
embarrassment to the man on his other side. The elderly gentleman next
to Arkwright filled his glass, a servant placed a small cup of coffee at
his elbow, and he lit a cigar and looked about him.

"You must find this weather very trying after the tropics," his neighbor
said.

Arkwright assented cordially. The brandy was flowing through his veins
and warming him; he forgot that he was hungry, and the kind, interested
glances of those about him set him at his ease. It was a propitious
start, he thought, a pleasant leave-taking for the senator and himself,
full of good will and good wishes.

He turned toward Stanton and waited until he had ceased speaking.

"The papers have begun well, haven't they?" he asked, eagerly.

He had spoken in a low voice, almost in a whisper, but those about the
table seemed to have heard him, for there was silence instantly and when
he glanced up he saw the eyes of all turned upon him and he noticed on
their faces the same smile he had seen there when he entered.

"Yes," Stanton answered constrainedly. "Yes, I--" he lowered his voice,
but the silence still continued. Stanton had his eyes fixed on the
table, but now he frowned and half rose from his chair.

"I want to speak with you, Arkwright," he said. "Suppose we go into the
next