f the richest white satin, trimmed with
deep point lace flounces, headed with trails of orange flower buds; an
over-dress of fine cardinal point lace, looped up with festoons of orange
buds; a point lace berthe and short sleeve ruffles; a necklace, pendant,
and bracelets of pearls set in diamonds, white kid gloves, embroidered
with fine white silk; white satin boots worked with pearls. On her head
the rich, full orange flower wreath. And over all, like mist over frost
and snow, fell the long bridal vail of finest point lace, softening the
whole effect.

"The young ladies, your bridesmaids, bid me tell you, Miss, that they are
quite ready to come to you, when you are so to receive them," said Kitty,
as she placed the bouquet of orange flowers in its jewelled holder, and
handed it to her mistress.

"Very well. I will send for them in good time," answered Miss Levison,
glancing at the little golden clock upon the mantel-piece, and noticing
that it was nearly half-past nine, the hour at which she expected Lord
Arondelle. "But now, Kitty, my good girl, go and inquire if my father is
up, and return and let me know. I would like to see him in his room."

The house-maid courtesied and went out, and after a few minutes' absence
returned running.

"If you please, Miss, Sir Lemuel hasn't rung his bell yet, and Mr. Peters
says, with his duty to you, Miss, as it is so late, hadn't he better call
his master?"

"By no means! Let Mr. Peters obey his master's orders not to disturb him
until his bell rings," answered the young lady.

"Yes, Miss; and if you please, Miss, here is a card, and his lordship,
Lord Arondelle, is down stairs asking for you, Miss," said the girl,
laying the pasteboard in question before her young mistress.

"Lord Arondelle! Yes, I expected his lordship. Where is he?"

"Mr. McRath showed him into the library, Miss."

"Quite right. None of our guests have left their rooms yet?"

"No, Miss, they be all busy a dressing of themselves, as I think."

"Ah! then go before me and open the door, and tell his lordship that
I shall be with him in a moment," said Miss Levison.

The girl dropped another courtesy and preceded her mistress down stairs.
In going down the great upper hall, Miss Levison passed the door of the
dark, narrow passage at right angles with the hall, and leading to the
tower stairs, where she had seen the apparition of the night before. She
shivered and hurried on. She paused a moment before t