capable of feeling. She was even first
in her heart in some moments of pride and ambition, and second never,
save to her love of fashion and display.

"Clasp this string of pearls about your throat, it will relieve the
plainness of your attire."

"I'd rather not have it relieved, mamma."

"What a strange whim," returned the lady, proceeding to fasten on the
necklace.

As the toilet was declared finished, Mrs. Delancey stepped back to
observe the effect.

"_Charmante, ma chere!_" she exclaimed. "Remember, love, your father and
I wish you to be particularly agreeable to General Delville this
evening. He is a splendid match, rich as a Jew, and of such fine
family!"

"He is the gentleman who was of age when papa was born, isn't he,
mamma?"

"Hush, child; what of that! He may be a little old, but all the
better--you'll be left a charming young widow the sooner."

Della lifted a bracelet from the table, and fell to examining it with
the closest inspection, while her little satin-slippered foot kept up an
unconscious, nervous tapping upon the carpet.

Mrs. Delancey looked at her watch--"Nine o'clock, Della; the guests will
begin to arrive, shortly. You need not come down till your father comes
for you. Remember, _ma chere_, General Delville, particularly."

So saying, the proud mother swept from the apartment.

As the door closed upon her, Della stepped through the open window, and
passed out upon the balcony. Minny busied herself with putting aside the
jewels which had not been wanted, and other unnecessary articles of
dress, which the capricious fancy of her mistress had drawn from their
proper places during the process of preparation.

A half hour passed before Mr. Delancey sought his daughter's apartment;
when he entered, Della was seated gracefully on an ottoman, arranging a
bouquet of orange flowers and mignonnette. It was a sweet picture, and
the father stopped to look upon it.

Della looked up, and her eye went quickly from her father's to Minny's
face, then dropped again upon her flowers.

"Are you ready, Della?"

"One minute, papa."

"You are looking very lovely to-night, my daughter. Be careful and have
your manners to correspond with your looks. My choicest friends are here
this evening, and I wish to see you Queen of Hearts."

"Especially to General Delville?"

"Especially to General Delville, Della. I shall be very happy to see you
his wife, and it is in your power to become so if you choo