ess. O, how dazzling was Mrs. Brandon that evening, in the
beauty of her person and of her attire! She wore diamonds that were
valued at ten thousand dollars.

In the midst of the brilliant festivities, Mr. Brandon was suddenly
summoned from the ball room. He presently returned, looking very pale,
and beckoned his wife, who followed him into the library. Mr. Merton,
senior, was there, with a very stern expression on his countenance.

"What's the matter?" asked Mrs. Brandon.

"The matter," said her husband, "is simply this--Mr. Merton leaves
town to-night for Philadelphia, on special business, and having
occasion for a large sum of money, requires the immediate payment of
the ten thousand dollars which are due him for our violation of the
marriage contract."

"Yes, madam," said Mr. Merton, "and I called on your husband for it,
and he referred me to you as having the deposit in your possession."

"Wouldn't to-morrow do as well?" asked the lady anxiously.

"No, madam, my necessity is urgent."

"Go, Maria," said the broker, "and bring the money instantly. A debt
like this admits of no postponement."

"Alas! alas!" stammered the poor woman, "I have not this money by me.
Surely, Mr. Brandon, you must be able to command it."

"Not one dollar, madam," said the broker. "I would have spared you
this explanation to-night, but you have brought it on yourself. This
is our last night of factitious splendor--my affairs are in
inextricable confusion--losses have this day come to light which
complete my ruin--and to-morrow the world will know me as a bankrupt."

Mrs. Brandon wrung her hands and sobbed bitterly.

"But that is a grief for to-morrow," said the broker, sternly. "There
is music and dancing, champagne and flowers, in the next room--enough
glory for to-night. But this business of Mr. Merton's requires instant
attention. What have you done with the ten thousand dollars? Have you
dared to squander it?"

"No, no," said Mrs. Brandon earnestly. "I am not so bad as that. I
deposited it with Sandford, the jeweller, of whom I hired the casket
of jewels to deck myself to-night."

"Mr. Merton," said the broker, calmly, "I shall have to trouble your
patience a little while longer. I will write instantly to Mr.
Sandford, late as it is, and bid him bring the money here at once."

After despatching the note, Brandon and his wife returned to the ball
room. O, how insipid to the lady's ear seemed now the babble of her
guests!