That she was beautiful--in my eyes at least--I needn't say.

That she had descended to a sphere unworthy of her and new to her, nobody could doubt.

Her modest dress, her refinement of manner, seemed rather to puzzle than to please most of the people present; they applauded her, but not very warmly, when she retired.

I obtained an introduction through her music-master, who happened to be acquainted professionally with some relatives of mine.

He told me that she was a young widow; and he assured me that the calamity through which her family had lost their place in the world had brought no sort of disgrace on them.