ematized the
weakness which had allowed shadowy scruples and a too fastidious taste
to rule his judgment in the matter of a divorce. He would wait no
longer; he would break at once and forever the frail fetter that still
bound him to a union from which all reality, all sanctity had fled. He
would be free in fact, as he was in heart and thought, to pit his
strength against that of his rival. This prize should not slip from
his grasp uncontested. No man should approach the shrine unchallenged.

The wind rose, sighing fitfully; the clouds gathered and formed an army
which stormed the zenith and threatened to overwhelm the pure light of
the planet. The lesser stars vanished, two or three falling in their
haste and losing themselves forever in infinity. The night thickened;
snow began to fall.

CHAPTER X.

The Christmas festivities were to close on
New Year's Eve with a grand ball at Shirley.
It was to be a sumptuous affair with unlimited
Chinese lanterns, handsome decorations, a
magnificent supper, and a band from Washington.
The Smiths were going to requite the neighborhood's
hospitality with the beating of drums, the
clashing of cymbals, and the flowing of
champagne. This cordial friendly people had
welcomed them kindly, and must have their courtesy
returned in fitting style. Mrs. Smith suggested a
simpler entertainment, fearing contrast, and any
appearance of ostentation, but the general gauged
his neighbors better. They were at once too well
bred, and too self-satisfied for any idea of
comparison to occur to them. They would eat his
fruit-cake, or make him welcome to their
corn-bread with the same hearty unconcern. His
wealth, and their own poverty troubled them
equally little; they were abstract facts with
which hospitality had nothing to do. But in their
way they were proud; having given their best
without grudge or stint, they would expect his
best in return, and the general was determined
that they should have it. The risk of offense lay
in simplicity, not grandeur.

Mrs. Royall Garnett came over to Lanarth a day
or so before the grand event, bearing her family
in her train, to assist in the weighty matter of a
suitable toilet for Pocahontas. She was a tall,
handsome woman, with a noble bearing, and great
decision of character; and on most matters--notably
those pertaining to the sacred mysteries
of the wardrobe, her word with her family was
law. Grace's taste was admitted to be p