stn't get any thing charged, and he said,
too, something about hard times. Perhaps he's going to fail. Wouldn't
it be dreadful?"

If Rose heard the last part of this sentence she did not need it, for
to her the idea of her father's failing was preposterous. When the
dinner bell rang she threw on a heavy shawl, and descending to the
dining parlor, remained below stairs all the afternoon, forcing back
her cough, and chatting merrily with a group of young girls who had
called to see her, and congratulated her upon her improved health, for
excitement lent a deep glow to her cheek, which would easily deceive
the inexperienced. The next day, owing to overexertion, Rose's temples
were throbbing with pain, and more than once, she half determined not
to go; but her passion for society was strong, and Mrs. Russell's
party had so long been anticipated and talked about that she felt she
would not miss it for the world, and as she had confessed to Jenny,
there was also a mean curiosity to see how Mary Howard would appear at
a fashionable party.

"Saturate my handkerchief with cologne, and put the vinaigrette where
I can reach it while you arrange my hair," said she to Sarah, who at
the usual hour came up to dress her young mistress for the evening.
"There, be careful and not brush so hard, for that ugly pain isn't
quite gone--now bring me the glass and let me see if I do look like a
ghost."

"Pale, delicate folks is always more interesting than red, hearty
ones," said the flattering servant, as she obeyed.

"Mercy, how white I am!" exclaimed Rose, glancing at the ashen face
reflected by the mirror. "Rub my cheeks with cologne, Sarah, and see
if that won't bring some color into them. There, that'll do. Now hand
me my dress. Oh, isn't it beautiful?" she continued, as she threw
aside the thickly wadded double gown, and assumed a light, thin dress,
which fell in soft, fleecy folds around her slight figure.

"Faith, an ye looks sweet, God bless you," said Sarah as she clasped
the diamond bracelet around the snowy arms and fastened the costly
ornaments in the delicate ears.

When her toilet was completed, Rose stood up before the long mirror,
and a glow of pride came to her cheeks, as she saw how lovely she
really was.

"You's enough sight handsomer than Miss Jenny," whispered Sarah, as
the door opened and Jenny appeared, more simply arrayed than her
sister, but looking as fresh and blooming as a rose-bud.

"How beautiful you a