"Do you know this young Blanchard, of McDougal's regiment ?"

"I was only introduced to him this morning by his brother. What of him?"

"Nothing especial, only I desire unrestrained communication with him."

"So far as I can aid in that, no one shall prevent it."

"I am playing a little game with him.”

"Surely, Margaret, you do not expect to buy him over to your side ?"

"Our side, Aaron. No, that is already done. Gold has done that for him long ago. He had his price, and it was paid."

"Well, I must confess I am surprised. Are there others of "

"Do not ask too much.

Nothing is said or done in this city which is not known to Governor Tryon within twelve hours-not an order given which is not reported to him; and his plans are so well laid, and so many have pledged themselves to aid him in carrying them to consummation, that success is certain, and cannot be prevented except by an untimely discovery. Come, now, let us talk of other things," and Margaret, who possessed powers of conversation really fascinating, soon drew her lover from himself, by her vivid description of her beautiful home in England, of the wealth and luxury by which they would be surrounded, when

at the close of the war, they could retire thither, and pass their days in the peaceful repose of domestic happiness. She told him of the court and its splendors; charmed him by the brilliant picture she drew of his future career in their new home, and when they parted, almost at midnight, with an ardent embrace, Major Burr was so completely enchanted, he would have enlisted under the banners of Beelzebub, provided Margaret belonged to the corps.

CHAPTER XXVI.

A DINNER PARTY AND A QUARREL.

AMONG the notabilities of New York, at the period of which this narration treats, none was more conspicuous than Major Smallwood, who commanded the Maryland battalion, which was distinguished as well for its splendid uniform (described in another chapter) as for the strict discipline which he preserved, despite the great license granted by other commanders. The major was a gallant southerner—a chivalrous, hightoned gentleman. Possessing in his own right an ample fortune, he had devoted that, as he had dedicated his life, to the cause of his country.

It was his practice to have a regular weekly messdinner, to which all the officers of his battalion were invited, and as many friends as his quarters would accommodate.

On the day after the last interview between the Blanchard brothers, his weekly dinner was given, and having heard, through Captain Barnum, of their relationship, and of the singular manner in which it had been discovered, both had been invited and accepted

his invitation, but of course unknown to each other, as from the occasion of the interview before detailed, Arthur had studiously avoided all places where he might meet his brother.

Chance, or providence, or destiny, placed the brothers far apart at the table. Captain Arthur, the Royalist, was seated next to Captain Edwards, of the battalion, while Edmund had been assigned a seat near Major Smallwood, a compliment intentionally paid in view of the high state of discipline to which he had brought his corps.

The dinner passed off pleasantly. Wit and jest had flown freely around, and every, one seemed to be on the best possible terms with everybody else. The cloth was removed, and the wines being duly placed on the table, the guests were called on severally for their toasts, and all, knowing the peculiar position of Captain Arthur Blanchard, were particular to avoid anything which might be construed into a possible intention to affront him.

It came at length to the turn of Edmund Blanchard to propose a toast, and as he rose, it was evident he had been indulging too freely in the generous wines which had been set before him.

When called upon, he arose, and leaning one hand on the table to steady himself, he proposed, "the Ninon d'Enclos of New York-Lizzie Brainard."

Truth compels me to say, that out of all that com

pany present, there were very few who had ever heard or read of "Ninon d'Enclos," and fewer still who could appreciate the allusion conveyed in the toast. Most of them heard only the name of "Lizzie Brainard,” and tossed off their glasses, thinking they were toasting her; while others, only half conscious of what they were doing, drank the toast, presuming that it was some special compliment to her.

There were, however, three present whose glasses remained untouched; Major Smallwood, Captain Edwards, and the Royalist Blanchard.

As Edmund Blanchard, already affected by the wine he had drank, tossed off his glass, he turned and glanced around the assemblage; his eye fell first on Captain Edwards, and he said with an asperity of manner excusable only from his condition, "I see you do not drink to my toast, Captain Edwards."

"I could not, sir," was the reply, coldly delivered.

"And why not, pray ?" asked the young officer, now half aroused to anger, for he had drank just enough to take offence at the slightest cause.

"I will not insult any woman whom I believe to be honest, truthful and virtuous, by drinking to a sentiment which connects her name with so much infamy."

At these words many of the young officers who had drank the toast, hearing only Lizzie Brainard's name, pricked up their ears and looked at each other, as if wondering what they had done.