A shining vision was standing before him, a beauteous queen, a gleaming fairy; he hardly knew what she looked like.

She had put on a white lace hat and her diamonds; the dress was rich, and the jewels gleamed from her delicate arms: and her cheeks were flushed and her curls were flowing.
The earl stared at her in amazement.

"How could you dress yourself off like that for a concert?
You are out of yours senses, Isabel." "Marvel thinks so, too," was the gay answer; "she has had a cross face since I told her what to put on.

But I did it on purpose, papa; I thought I would show those West Lynne people that _I_ think the poor man's moment worth going to, and worth dressing for." "You will have the whole room gaping at you." "I don't mind.

I'll bring you word all about it.