THE SPECTRE BRIDE.
CHAPTER I.
Through the whole summer, there had been delightful weather, and the Baths of W had been more frequented this year than at any former period;—but, though the rooms and public gardens were always crowded by guests, it seemed by no means to follow that a social and convivial spirit should prevail among them. The nobility flocked together quite apart; the military had their own separate club; and as for the citizens, they made criticisms harshly enough on the conduct of both. Even the balls that were frequently given failed to produce unanimity; nor could it be otherwise, for the master of ceremonies always appeared at them with his star and ribbon, attended by a train
