s to be paid on demand. A very
pretty morning's work."

"It will come out right," said Mrs. Brandon.

"As the boy remarked when he was gored by the cow's horn," observed
uncle Richard, philosophically, as he extended his length upon an
ottoman, including his boots in the enjoyment of the comfort of cut
velvet.

"I leave uncle Richard to your care, madam," said the broker, "while I
go down in town to ascertain the value of my new son-in-law's paper
upon 'change."

* * * * *

On an evening not long after the above scenes, the broker's house was
brilliantly lighted up from basement to attic. Through the open hall
door, at the head of the flight of marble steps, servants in livery
were seen receiving the shawls and hats of the guests, as carriage
after carriage deposited its brilliant contents at the house of the
financier. Mingled with the black coats of the gentlemen, and the
gossamer attire of the ladies, were seen the brilliant uniforms of
officers of the army and navy. The crowd poured into the magnificent
ball room, where, flanked by her husband, and by the indefatigable
Monsieur Charmant, the lovely hostess received her guests with an
elegance of manner truly aristocratic. The delicious waltzes of
Strauss, performed by a German band, floated through the magnificent
rooms. Glistening chandeliers poured down a flood of soft light on the
fair faces and the polished ivory shoulders of the ladies. It was a
scene of enchantment, and Mrs. Brandon revelled in the splendor that
surrounded her and the incense that was offered. She was pleased at
the distinguished appearance of her husband, pleased to see her
daughter hanging on the arm of the French count, pleased at every
thing but one. One object alone, like the black mask at the bridal of
Hernani, marred the festivity, and created a discord in the midst of
the harmony--that was uncle Richard, walking up and down the ball room
in a meal-colored coat and cowhide boots.

Various efforts were made to get possession of uncle Richard and lead
him away into captivity. A whist table was suggested in an anteroom,
an Havana was proposed in the library, but he "didn't want to play
cards, and had just quit smoking," and so he paraded his coat and
boots before the company, the "observed of all observers."

Mrs. B. made the best of it, whispering confidentially that he was a
distant connection, immensely rich, partially insane, but perfectly
harml