Neither was his
attention attracted by a singular similarity which the attitude of
the group of ladies on the other side of the parlor bore to that of
his own party. They were clustered around one of their own number--
a striking-looking girl--who was apparently receiving their
mingled flatteries and caresses with a youthful yet critical
sympathy, which, singularly enough, was not unlike his own. It was
evident also that an odd sort of rivalry seemed to spring up
between the two parties, and that, in proportion as Hathaway's
admirers became more marked and ostentatious in their attentions,
the supporters of the young girl were equally effusive and
enthusiastic in their devotion. As usual in such cases, the real
contest was between the partisans themselves; each successive
demonstration on either side was provocative or retaliatory, and
when they were apparently rendering homage to their idols they were
really distracted by and listening to each other. At last,
Hathaway's party being reinforced by fresh visitors, a tall
brunette of the opposition remarked in a professedly confidential
but perfectly audible tone:--
"Well, my dear, as I don't suppose you want to take part in a
political caucus, perhaps we'd better return to the Ladies'
Boudoir, unless there's a committee sitting there too.
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