She had considerable tact in the matter of dressing.

Black, in spite of her darkness, with shining beads of sequins on it, helped her complexion greatly, as did a red rose in her hair.

She had smooth, white well-rounded arms and shoulders.

Bright eyes, a pert manner, clever remarks--these assisted to create an illusion of charm, though, as she often said, it was of little use.

"Men want the dolly things." In the evening inpour of young men and women came Aileen and Norah, the former throwing off a thin net veil of black lace and a dolman of black silk, which her brother Owen took from her.