resident's evening reception--interesting to those
who had not been present; more interesting to those who had; and most
interesting of all to those who found themselves favorably noticed. To
the last-mentioned the notice was fame--for a day. The article was two
or three columns in length; but we will quote only a few lines. One
paragraph said:

"Among the distinguished guests present was the young Viscount Vincent,
eldest son and heir of the earl of Hurstmonceux and Banff. He was
presented by the British minister."

Another paragraph alluded to Claudia in these terms:

"The belle of the evening, beyond all competition, was the beautiful
Miss M----n, only daughter and heiress of Judge M----n, of the Supreme
Court. It will be remembered that the blood of Pocahontas runs in this
young beauty's veins, giving luster to her raven black hair, light to
her dusky eyes, fire to her brown cheeks, and majesty and grace to all
her movements. She is truly an Indian princess."

"Well!" said Mr. Middleton, laying down the paper, "I agree with Bee. It
is really too bad to be trotted out in this way, and have all your
points indicated, and then be dubbed with a fancy name besides. Why,
Miss Merlin, they will call you the 'Indian' Princess' to the end of
time, or of your Washington campaign."

Claudia tossed her head.

"What odds?" she asked. "I am rather proud to be of the royal lineage of
Powhatan. They may call me Indian princess, if they like. I will accept
the title."

"Until you get a more legitimate one!" laughed Mr. Middleton.

"Until I get a more legitimate one," assented Claudia.

"But I will see McQuill, the reporter of the 'Journal,' and ask him as a
particular favor to leave my daughter's name out of his next balloon
full of gas!" laughed the judge, as he arose from the table.

The other members of the family followed. And each went about his or her
own particular business. This day being the next following the first
appearance of Miss Merlin in society, was passed quietly in the family.

The next day, being Sunday, they all attended church.

But on Monday a continual stream of visitors arrived, and a great number
of cards were left at Judge Merlin's door.

In the course of a week Claudia returned all these calls, and thus she
was fairly launched into fashionable life.

She received numerous invitations to dinners, evening parties, and
balls; but all these she civilly excused herself from attending; for it
w