A simple but costly lace mantle floated, wave-like, round her superb figure; the rich tresses of her hair were covered by a slight veil of Brussels lace, which allowed her long curls _a l'Anglaise_ to sweep down on both sides over her marble-smooth shoulders and ravishingly beautiful bosom.

And then that face, that complexion like a faintly blushing rose, that look worthy of a goddess, those burning black eyes so full of vivacity and passion, and contrasting so strangely with the childlike lips suggestive of sleeping innocence, but harmonizing on the other hand with the dimples on her rosy chin and cheeks, set there surely for the undoing of any human soul who saw a smile upon them! And there was a smile upon them now, as Mr.Kecskerey came forward without exactly knowing what to say.
Fanny greeted him.
"I was very pleased to accept your honoured invitation," said she, "and I have brought my family with me also, as you see.

I mean, of course, my husband, Mr.John Karpathy;" and she indicated the gentleman by her side.
Mr.Kecskerey could only say that his delight was infinite, but all the time his eyes were anxiously searching for Abellino in the most evident embarrassment.
As for Abellino, he remained standing before the mirror and looking just like Lot's wife at the moment when she was turned into a pillar of salt.
But meantime John Karpathy, the good-humoured, merry, radiant Squire John, pressed the hand of the master of the house as if he were an old acquaintance, at the same time keeping his wife's little hand safely tucked under his arm.
"Congratulate me, my worthy friend," said he.

"I have won to-day a treasure, a heavenly treasure.

I am blessed indeed.