but little company for a family of their wealth and social position; but
now, instead of the heretofore quiet evenings, their superb parlors were
thronged with acquaintances and friends, for both Willie and Laura had
been favourites with both young and old.

Laura had intended giving a large party, but had deferred it till Willie
should return home; and soon after his arrival the invitations were
sent, and preparations were commenced for the contemplated party. I did
not expect, neither did I wish, to be included among the guests. I had
never attended a fashionable party in my life; and I thought, even were
I favoured with an invitation, that I should feel strangely out of place
amid so much display of wealth and fashion as I should be sure to meet
with at a party given by one of the most wealthy and influential
families in the city.

I was much surprised when I received from Laura a very cordial
invitation to attend her party. I at first declined the invitation,
saying that I was unaccustomed to any thing of the kind, and that as
most of the guests would be strangers to me, I should prefer not
attending; but when Mr. and Mrs. Leighton expressed their wish that I
should attend the party, I overcame my reluctance and consented.

The evening at length came, and although I anticipated but little
pleasure from the party, I felt a degree of restlessness and expectation
when the appointed evening arrived. My wardrobe was not furnished with
any superfluities in the way of dress, and my command of money was not
sufficient to allow of any extravagance in apparel. Laura kindly offered
to present me with a beautiful silk dress for the occasion, but I
delicately, though firmly, declined the gift, for I wished not to appear
otherwise than in my true position. I therefore selected the most