n. She
ushered the visitors into a spacious drawing-room and took their cards
and a note from Judge Brackenridge, to her mistress.

The guests while waiting could not fail to be impressed by what they
saw around them. Walls, ceilings and doors were unique in their
decorative effects. The furnishings of the apartment were elegant and
sumptuous. There were rich hangings at the windows and costly Persian
rugs on the floor.

Soon was heard a swish and rustle of brocade on the stairs, and, a
moment later, the gentlemen rose to meet Madam Blennerhassett, who
came in, smiling a cordial welcome. She was dignified, even stately,
in her demeanor, and looked, not indeed the ideal sultana, but rather
every inch an empress.

Burr was at once upon his mettle. No levity, nothing of the jester, no
trace of ennui lingered in his manner. The presence of the magnificent
woman transfigured his body and called up all his social resources.
His eye kindled its sparkling fires, his lip took a deeper glow of
vital red. These manifestations were spontaneous, almost involuntary,
though he was conscious of an obscure design.

"Gentlemen, it hardly needed this note from Judge Brackenridge to
insure you a welcome here; you do us a great honor by seeking out our
lonely island home." These words, though addressed to both the
visitors, were meant for the elder and more distinguished guest, who
replied suavely:

"Madam, we made bold to invade the privacy of these grounds in the
hope of forming the acquaintance of a family well known by
reputation."

Returning a formal bow and a look of appreciation, the lady continued:

"I regret that you do not find my husband at home; his affairs called
him to Farmers' Castle, just across the river, but I am expecting him
to return at any minute. You must not go without seeing him. Of
course, you will take dinner with us."

The wayfarers, having come ashore for idle adventure and recreation,
were easily persuaded to linger. Burr tactfully advanced to the
borders of familiarity by giving Madam Blennerhassett an embellished
report of the encomiums which Brackenridge had bestowed upon her and
her ancestors. He was lauding the name of Agnew, when a sound from the
vestibule suspended his eloquence, and quickly thereafter the figure
of a graceful girl appeared in the entrance to the drawing-room. The
maiden paused a moment, a glowing picture in the deep doorway. She was
a peerless blonde, blue of eye, scarlet of