She was glad, at any rate, that they had put on their silk gowns--especially Gertrude.

"My cousins are very pretty," said the Baroness, turning her eyes from one to the other.

"Your daughters are very handsome, sir." Charlotte blushed quickly; she had never yet heard her personal appearance alluded to in a loud, expressive voice.

Gertrude looked away--not at Felix; she was extremely pleased.

It was not the compliment that pleased her; she did not believe it; she thought herself very plain.