he famous Colonel Starbottle, of Virginia. Jaunty and
youthful-looking in his mask-like, beardless face, expansive and
dignified in his middle-aged port and carriage, he alone retained some
of the importance--albeit slightly theatrical and affected--of the
occasion. Clarence in his first hurried glance had not observed his
wife, and for a moment had felt relieved; but as Colonel Starbottle
arose at that moment, and with a studiously chivalrous and courtly
manner turned to his right, he saw that she was sitting at the further
end of the balcony, and that a man whom he recognized as Captain
Pinckney was standing beside her. The blood quickly tightened around his
heart, but left him cold and observant.

"It was seldom, indeed," remarked Colonel Starbottle, placing his fat
fingers in the frill of his shirt front, "that a movement like this
was graced with the actual presence of a lofty, inspiring, yet delicate
spirit--a Boadicea--indeed, he might say a Joan of Arc--in the person
of their charming hostess, Mrs. Brant. Not only were they favored by her
social and hospitable ministration, but by her active and enthusiastic
cooperation in the glorious work they had in hand. It was through
her correspondence and earnest advocacy that they were to be favored
to-night with the aid and counsel of one of the most distinguished and
powerful men in the Southern district of California, Judge Beeswinger,
of Los Angeles. He had not the honor of that gentleman's personal
acquaintance; he believed he was not far wrong in saying that this was
also the misfortune of every gentleman present; but the name itself
was a tower of strength. He would go further, and say that Mrs. Brant
herself was personally unacquainted with him, but it was through the
fervor, poetry, grace, and genius of her correspondence with that
gentleman that they were to have the honor of his presence that very
evening. It was understood that advices had been received of his
departure, and that he might be expected at Robles at any moment."

"But what proof have we of Judge Beeswinger's soundness?" said a lazy
Southern voice at the conclusion of Colonel Starbottle's periods.
"Nobody here seems to know him by sight: is it not risky to admit a man
to our meeting whom we are unable to identify?"

"I reckon nobody but a fool or some prying mudsill of a Yankee would
trust his skin here," returned another; "and if he did we'd know what to
do with him."

But Clarence's attenti