The sadder exhibitions are fortunately seldom seen by respectable people; only the little social accidents come under their eyes.

One evening Mrs.Lee went to the President's first evening reception.

As Sybil flatly refused to face the crowd, and Carrington mildly said that he feared he was not sufficiently reconstructed to appear at home in that august presence, Mrs.Lee accepted Mr.French for an escort, and walked across the Square with him to join the throng that was pouring into the doors of the White House.

They took their places in the line of citizens and were at last able to enter the reception-room.

There Madeleine found herself before two seemingly mechanical figures, which might be wood or wax, for any sign they showed of life.