shirt and his new necktie.

When the clock struck seven he hastened to the elevated; a half hour
later found him parading the street opposite the conservatory, and at
eight he arrived with a promptness which, persistently observed,
commends a young man to a junior partnership.

When the widow finally presented herself, Dennis was more than ever
convinced, by the richness of her attire, that the business must be in a
flourishing condition.

For some unknown reason the beautiful woman was dressed entirely in
black with the exception of some exquisite traceries in white about her
throat and wrists.

Had his life depended upon it Dennis could never have described the
fabric of her gown.

He only knew that it was distinguished by a sort of subdued sheen; that
it rustled with an entrancing swish and suggestion of femininity as she
moved, and that it was adjusted to her shapely figure as though her
delightful personality had been moulded into it.

A slim wonder of a white hand was extended to him, a bright smile
illumed her bewildering eyes and bent the Cupid bow of her lips into a
curve which sent an intangible arrow into the young man's heart as she
said with musical simplicity:

"I am glad to see you."

To this Dennis made no direct reply.

His eyes gleamed their idealized eloquence, however; his attitude
presented unmistakable shades of deference, and to save himself further
revelation he collapsed into the chair indicated by his hostess.

Apparently the widow extracted the same enjoyment from these ingenuous
acknowledgments as ever, for she did not immediately resume the
conversation.

Fortunately, Dennis assembled himself, so to speak, and realized his
psychological moment.

"Shure," he said as he became aware of his involuntary self-revelations,
"'shure, an' you would know that I am glad to see you if I was deaf and
dumb."

The widow laughed heartily at this, as she replied:

"I'm afraid that you have kissed the blarney stone, Mr. Muldoon."

Having no response for this, Dennis substituted: "I saw you at the
theater last night," and a palpable degree of joy left his countenance
at the announcement.

"Ah!" exclaimed the widow, regarding him curiously. "Where were you?"

"In th' lobby," replied Dennis unblushingly.

"What did you think of the performance?" asked his companion after a
moment.

Dennis looked her directly in the eyes with the light of inspiration in
his glance as he said:

"I did