CHAPTER XXII.
THE FINE ARTS.
The whole world of Saratoga congratulated Mrs.Dinks upon her beautiful niece, Miss Wayne.

Even old Mrs.Dagon said to every body: "How lovely she is! And to think she comes from Boston! Where did she get her style?
Fanny dear, I saw you hugging--I beg your pardon, I mean waltzing with Mr.Dinks." But when Hope Wayne danced there seemed to be nobody else moving.

She filled the hall with grace, and the heart of the spectator with an indefinable longing.

She carried strings of bouquets.

She made men happy by asking them to hold some of her flowers while she danced; and then, when she returned to take them, the gentlemen were steeped in such a gush of sunny smiling that they stood bowing and grinning--even the wisest--but felt as if the soft gush pushed them back a little; for the beauty which, allured them defended her like a fiery halo.
It was understood that she was engaged to Mr.Alfred Dinks, her cousin, who was already, or was to be, very rich.