ld we trace the stories written on many hearts,
how would they tell of sorrow! How many would say, in the crowded and noisy
revel, "I have come here to forget; but memory will never die!"

CHAPTER XXIII.

Alice and Ellen, accompanied by Mrs. Weston, and some gentlemen from their
section of the country, were to attend a private ball, expected to be one
of the most brilliant of the season. Mr. Weston, not feeling well, retired
early, preferring to listen to the young ladies' account of the evening,
after his breakfast and newspaper the next morning. When they were ready to
go, they came into Mr. Weston's parlor, to obtain his commendation on their
taste. Mrs. Weston was there awaiting them; and her own appearance was too
striking to be passed over without notice. She was still really a handsome
woman, and her beauty was greatly enhanced by her excellent taste in dress.
Her arms, still round and white, were not uncovered. The rich lace sleeves,
and the scarf of the same material that was thrown over her handsome neck
and shoulders, was far more becoming than if she had assumed the bare arms
and neck which was appropriate to her daughter. Her thick dark hair was
simply put back from her temples, as she always wore it, contrasting
beautifully with the delicate white flowers there. Her brocade silk,
fitting closely to her still graceful figure, and the magnificent diamond
pin that she wore in her bosom; the perfect fitness of every part of her
apparel gave a dignity and beauty to her appearance, that might have
induced many a gay lady who mixes, winter after winter, in the amusements
of our city, to go and do likewise. When youth is gone forever, it is
better to glide gracefully into middle age; and if half the time and
thought that is expended on the choice of gay colors and costly material,
were passed in properly arranging what is suitable to age and appearance,
the fashionable assemblies of the present day would not afford such
spectacles, as cannot fail both to pain and amuse.

Mr. Weston turned to the door as it opened, expecting the girls to enter;
and a little impatient, too, as it was already half-past ten o'clock. The
gentlemen had been punctual to their appointed hour of ten, but declared
that three quarters of an hour was an unusually short time to be kept
waiting by ladies. Ellen came first, her tall but well-proportioned figure
arrayed in a rose-colored silk of the most costly material. She wore a
neckl