Her large soft dark eyes offered a vivid contrast to her creamy complexion; her hair, in utter disregard of the fashionable mode of dressing, was loosely knotted at the back of her head.

Her nature was soft and affectionate, capable of the deepest devotion, while she had the most equable temper that can be imagined.
"Come, my dear papa," said she; "do not scold me any more.

You know that the Marchioness of Arlanges has promised to teach me how to behave myself according to all the rules of fashionable society next winter, and I declare to you that I will so practise them up in secret, that you will be astonished when you behold them." "How woman-like!" muttered her father.

"She only scoffs at matters of the most vital importance." He rose from his seat, and, placing his back to the fireplace, took up an imposing position, one hand buried in his waistcoat, and the other ready to gesticulate as occasion required.
"Oblige me with your deepest attention," commenced he.

"You were eighteen years of age last month, and I have an important piece of intelligence to convey to you.