Ellen came first, her tall but well-proportioned figure arrayed in a rose-colored silk of the most costly material.

She wore a necklace and bracelet of pearl, and a string of the same encircled her beautifully-arranged hair.

The rich color that mantled in her cheeks deepened still more, as she acknowledged the salutation of the gentlemen; but Alice, who entered immediately after her, went at once to her uncle, and putting her hand in his, looked the inquiry, "Are you pleased with me ?" No wonder the old man held her hand for a moment, deprived of the power of answering her.

She stood before him glowing with health again, the coral lips parted with a smile, awaiting some word of approval.

The deep-blue eyes, the ivory skin, the delicately-flushed cheeks, the oval face, the auburn curls that fell over brow and temple, and hung over the rounded and beautiful shoulders; the perfect arm, displayed in its full beauty by the short plain sleeve; the simple dress of white; the whole figure, so fair and interesting, with no ornaments to dim its youthful charms; but one flower, a lily, drooping over her bosom.