viscounts, lords, and baronets, and those aspiring to the proudest titles
and birth of family. To describe the most imposing and costly dresses
worn on this evening would be a difficult task. Ladies arrayed in the
most gorgeous and priceless brocade and satins ablaze with diamonds and
gems, snowy silks studded with pearls, velvet robes lined with costly
furs and covered with lace at a fabulous price and texture, coronets of
jewels, necklaces, bracelets, and beautiful trinkets, made the suggestion
to a beholder that Heaven had showered down her radiation of delight by
bestowing upon these jewels a reflection scarce less than that of her own
upon the scene above. Among the throng none were more eagerly sought than
Lady Rosamond; her quiet and easy dignity had won the regard and esteem
of all those with whom she mingled. Unassuming and retiring, Lady
Rosamond had excited no jealousy on the part of her less favored female
friends. On her they all united in bestowing kind and sisterly regard. To
gratify curiosity, and show our beautiful young friend as she appeared in
the drawing-room, leaning on the arm of Captain Douglas, I will try
describe her as nearly as possible:--A white satin robe with court train,
bordered with the purest lace, festooned with pearls, over a blue satin
petticoat, formed a lovely costume, with bodice of white satin, showing
the faultless waist of the wearer; white satin slippers, ornamented with
pearls, encased the tiny feet of Lady Rosamond. She was, indeed, worthy
the name she bore--a type of her lovely but unfortunate ancestress, who
won, for a time, the fickle heart of Henry Eighth, and gave birth to the
good and pious young Edward.

Many smiles of recognition were bestowed upon the Lady Rosamond, among
whom were those of the old cavaliers and statesmen, the middle-aged and
the young and gay gallants of the day. If the latter showed any
preference, as regards companionship, it was a strange preference for
the more advanced in life. Ladies in the declining stage of life were to