r life was spoiled
by her unhappy love."

"I should have died had it been my disappointment," said Beatrice; "the
loss of what one loves must be more bitter than death."

* * * * *

Far and near nothing was spoken of but the ball at Earlescourt.
Anything so brilliant or on so grand a scale had not been given in the
county for many years.

Lord Earle felt proud of the arrangements as he looked through the ball
room and saw the gorgeous array of flowers, tier upon tier of
magnificent bloom, a sight well worth coming many miles to see. Here
and there a marble statue stood amid the flowers. Little fountains of
scented water rippled musically. He stopped for a few moments looking
at the blossoms and thinking of his beautiful child.

"How she loves everything bright and gay!" he said to himself. "She
will be queen of the ball tonight."

As Lord Earle stood alone in his library that evening, where he had
been reading, stealing a quiet half hour, there came a gentle knock at
the door.

"Come in," he said, and there stood before him something that he
thought must be a vision.

"Grandmamma sent me," said Beatrice, blushing, "to see if I should do.
You are to notice my diamonds, papa, and tell me if you approve of the
setting."

As he looked at the radiant figure a sense of wonder stole over him.
Could this magnificent beauty really be Dora's daughter--Dora who had
stained her pretty hand with strawberry juice so many years ago?

He knew nothing of the details of the dress, he saw only the beautiful
face and glorious eyes, the crowns of waving hair, the white, stately
neck and exquisite arms. Before him was a gleam of pale pink satin,
shrouded with lace so fine and delicate that it looked like a fairy
web; and the Earle diamonds were not brighter than the dark eyes. They
became the wearer well. They would have eclipsed a fair, faded beauty;
they added radiance to Beatrice's.

"Where is Lillian?" he asked; and she knew from the tone of his voice
how proud and satisfied he was.

"I am here, papa," said a gentle voice. "I wanted you to see Beatrice
first."

Lord Earle hardly knew which to admire the more. Lillian looked so
fair and graceful; the pure, spiritual face and tender eyes had new
beauty; the slender, girlish figure contrasted well with the stately
dignity of Beatrice.

"I hope it will be a happy evening for you both," he said.

"I feel sure it will for me," said Beatrice