I would give way to during one of her tedious
dinner parties.

"The following morning after my mother had announced the visit of
penance, Harry Morton made his appearance in our drawing-rooms, as
usual, with the other morning visiters. Every one was talking of a new
singer who was to make her _debut_ on that evening.

"'May I join your party at the concert this evening?' Harry asked me,
in a low voice.

"'I regret exceedingly,' I replied, 'that we are not going to the
concert. I have already promised mamma to spend a quiet day and
evening with an old friend of hers. You must listen attentively to
this new _donna_, and tell me all about her voice if you go.'

"'I do not think I shall go,' he replied, in low, earnest tones, 'for
I could not enjoy the concert if not with you.' A turn in the general
conversation drew us more into notice, and some ladies and gentlemen
entering, put an end to all further intercourse between us; how long I
remembered and cherished those last words of his. When I made my
appearance in my mother's room at 5 o'clock, shawl and hood in hand,
she regarded me from head to foot smilingly.

"'What new caprice to-day?' she said, 'and yet I must confess it is
very becoming to you.'

"I had felt too languid to dress much, and as the weather was warm,
spring being quite far advanced, I had chosen a simple white mull robe
for the visit to our old friend, knowing that we should meet with but
few visiters there. This I explained apologetically to my mother, who
tapped me with her fan good-naturedly, saying that beauties were
cunning creatures, they liked to show once in a while they could defy
the aid of ornament. The first few months of my entrance into society
my mother superintended, with great attention, all my _toilettes_; but
near the close of the season she fell into the general opinion, that
what ever I did was exactly right; and poor little me, that one short
half-year before had no right to express an opinion upon so grave a
subject as dress, was now constantly appealed to; and whatever style I
adopted was perfect in her eyes. Society had placed its stamp upon me,
I could pass current as a coin of high value to her.

"When I reached Mrs. Langley's, I found the old lady attended by but
one gentleman, who, beside ourselves, was her only visiter. What was
my surprise to hear her introduce him as her son, Templeton Langley.
The dinner passed more pleasantly than usual, for Mr. Langley made
him