there was an occasional glisten on his curls, that savoured too much of a professor and l'huile aux mille fleurs; his tailor was evidently a person of great consideration in his eyes—that was but gratitude; and his chance mention of acquaintance was too carefully correct—that air of the Court Guide which so much betrays the parvenu or débutant. But Emily was in no mood to be critical. During the quadrille they progressed as rapidly as an American settlement. He gave her his arm to the supper-room: grapes, pine-apple, jelly, and pretty speeches, blended amicably together. Afterwards their engagement was extended to a waltz. They talked of the Corsair—the exquisite picture of Parris's Bridesmaid in the British Gallery—and ended with Italy and moonlight; when she was shawled, cloaked, and handed to the carriage with the most exquisite air of anxiety—but not till her partner had learned the number of Lady Alicia's Opera-box, and that they were going the following evening to Mrs. William Carson's fancy ball.
Alas! for the weakness and vanity of the female sex. Mlle. Hyacinthine quite marvelled at her young lady's animation, as she unbound the wreath of lilies from her hair, and received
