CHAPTER XXIII.
Alice and Ellen, accompanied by Mrs.Weston, and some gentlemen from their section of the country, were to attend a private ball, expected to be one of the most brilliant of the season.

Mr.Weston, not feeling well, retired early, preferring to listen to the young ladies' account of the evening, after his breakfast and newspaper the next morning.

When they were ready to go, they came into Mr.Weston's parlor, to obtain his commendation on their taste.

Mrs.Weston was there awaiting them; and her own appearance was too striking to be passed over without notice.

She was still really a handsome woman, and her beauty was greatly enhanced by her excellent taste in dress.
Her arms, still round and white, were not uncovered.