d report said that he was
rapidly amassing a fortune, and ere long would be rated rich among rich
men. He was fine-looking, very genial and social in his nature, and so,
of course, was a general favorite wherever he went.

His admiration for Mrs. Bently soon became the subject of remark among
his acquaintances at the hotel, and they predicted that the fair and
wealthy widow would soon capture the gallant and successful broker.

Six weeks spent in the attractive widow's society convinced Justin Cutler
that she was as lovely in character as in person. She was remarkably
sweet-tempered, very devout, and charitable beyond degree. She would
never listen to or indulge in gossip of any kind; on the contrary, she
always had something kind and pleasant to say to every one.

Upon several occasions, Mr. Cutler invited her to attend the theatre,
lectures and concerts, and she honored him by graciously accepting his
attentions; while, occasionally, he was permitted to accompany her to
church.

That faultless face, her unvarying amiability, her culture and wit, were
fast weaving a spell about him, and he had decided to ask her to share
his fate and fortune, when he suddenly missed her from her accustomed
seat at the table, and failed to meet her about the house as usual.

For three days he did not see anything of her, and he began to be deeply
troubled and anxious about her. He could not endure the suspense, and
made inquiries for her. He was told that she was ill, and this, of
course, did not relieve his anxiety.

On the fourth day, however, she made her appearance again at dinner, but
looking so pale and sad, that his heart went out to her with deeper
tenderness than ever.

He waited in one of the parlors until she came out from the dining-room.
She made her appearance just as a lady, one of the hotel guests, was
leaving the room. With eagerness he stepped forward to greet her, and
then, with kind solicitude, inquired regarding her recent illness.

"Thank you, Mr. Cutler; I have not been really ill," she said, with a
pathetic little quiver of her red lips, "but--I am in deep trouble; I
have had bad news."

"I am very sorry," returned the young broker, in a tone of earnest
sympathy. "Shall I be presuming if I inquire the nature of your
ill-tidings?"

She smiled up at him gratefully.

"Oh, no, and you are very kind. It--it is only a business trouble," she
said, a vivid flush dyeing her fair cheek; "but being a woman, per