bring into married life. But Laura talked so loudly in
favor of wealth and Mr. Penrose's consequence, that she was forced to be
silent. Fanny, too, approved Clara's wisdom and prudence. It was an
excellent match; Clara had shown herself a woman of determination,
superior to the foolish girls who prated of love and cottages. Let a man
be esteemed before he was loved, and there would be no doubt of perfect
harmony afterwards.

"So write your cards for the reception-day, Clara, and we will have a
grand ball in the evening. You shall be married with _eclat_ becoming
your prospects."

"A ball, Laura!" cried Maggie. "Have you forgotten our mourning?"

"No, indeed; I wish I had. But, as we have worn it now nearly a year,
I'm going to take the opportunity of leaving it off on Clara's wedding
day. So will she and Fan."

"But, Clara," said Maggie, turning to her, "our father has not been dead
a year yet! Leave off mourning if you will; but, for mercy's sake, do
not outrage decency by going to a ball, even if you have no feeling on
the subject."

"I agree with Laura, Margaret. We have been in prison long enough. I do
not wish to begin my married life in seclusion. We have had _soirees_
only six or seven times since papa died, and I went to one polka party
at Mrs. Hildreth's. I'm sure I have been dull enough to suit any one."

"You do not pay our father the respect that Cora does, and she is only
our sister-in-law."

"Don't bring up _her_ name," said Laura; "I hate to hear it. Clara may
send her a piece of cake if she likes, but she shall not be asked here;
though I'm willing that Lewis should be invited, to show what I think of
_her_."

"They would not come, depend upon it," said Margaret; "nor shall I; so
do not expect me. You will be much blamed."

"Pshaw!" said Clara. And so she was married, having issued cards to all
her fashionable friends. Her reception-day was very brilliant, the
_fete_ the gayest of the season; and the bride and groom left the next
afternoon for their wedding tour, amid the applause of the waiters, who
regaled themselves on the scraps of the feast and the half bottles of
champagne that were left to evaporate.

A year after, no one would have recognized the gay and elegant-looking
Clara Clavering in the faded Mrs. Penrose. Her elephantine spouse was
not so amiable as before marriage; and the poor wife was heard to say
that, after all, wealth was not the principal thing in marriage; she
would pr