day signing the checks, and drew fifteen thousand a year for it. A man's constant inclination was to smash him in the face--and the only reason he escaped was because it would have been like beating a child. One man had, when Mattison was more than ordinarily offensive, laid him across his knee, and, in full sight of the Club-house, administered a good old-fashioned spanking with a golf club. Him Montecute thereafter let alone. The others did not take the trouble, however. They simply shrugged their shoulders, and swore at him freely and to his face.

At present, he was playing the devoted to Miss Brundage and hence his inclusion in the party. She cared nothing for him, but his money was a thing to be considered--having very little of her own--and she was doing her best to overcome her repugnance sufficiently to place him among the eligibles.Mattison got through the dinner without any exhibition of ill nature, but, when the women retired, it came promptly to the fore. The talk had turned on the subject of the Club Horse Show. It was scheduled for the following month, and was quite the event of the Autumn, in both a social and an equine sense. The women showed their gowns and hosiery, the men their horses and equipment, and how appropriately they could rig themselves out--while the general herd stood around the ring gaping and envious.

Presently, there came a momentary lull in the conversation and Mattison remarked: "I see Royster & Axtell went up to-day. I reckon," with an insinuating laugh, "there will be some entries withdrawn."

"Men or horses?" asked Hungerford.

"Both--and men who haven't horses, as well," with a sneering glance at Croyden.

"Why, bless me! he's looking at you, Geoffrey!" Hungerford exclaimed.

"I am not responsible for the direction of Mr. Mattison's eyes," Croyden answered with assumed good nature.

Mattison smiled, maliciously. "Is it so bad as that?" he queried. "I knew, of course, you were hit, but I hoped it was only for a small amount."

"Shut up, Mattison!" exclaimed Colloden. "If you haven't any appreciation of propriety, you can at least keep quiet."

"Oh, I don't know----"

"Don't you?" said Colloden, quietly, reaching across and grasping him by the collar. "Think again,--_and think 

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