CHAPTER XV.
ONLY AN INCIDENT.
The morning sun was streaming brilliantly in through the richly curtained windows of a handsome New York dwelling.

Mr.and Mrs.De Forest were about sitting down to breakfast, which waited for them ready served, and which indeed had been so waiting for some minutes.

The butler coughed behind his hand as a discreet reminder of his presence, and so indirectly of the cooling dishes.

The gentleman looked up from his easy-chair by the fire and yawned.
"My dear, I've been up so long I think it's getting bedtime again." "Just one moment, Ogden," answered the lady, from her desk.

"I must send off this note by the first mail." "Any thing important ?" "Yes.