up the wide drive that led to Warwick's doorstep.

"Well, Rena," said Warwick, when they found
themselves alone, "you have arrived. Your debut
into society is a little more spectacular than I should
have wished, but we must rise to the occasion
and make the most of it. You are winning the
first fruits of your opportunity. You are the most
envied woman in Clarence at this particular moment,
and, unless I am mistaken, will be the most
admired at the ball to-night."



VI

THE QUEEN OF LOVE AND BEAUTY


Shortly after luncheon, Rena had a visitor in
the person of Mrs. Newberry, a vivacious young
widow of the town, who proffered her services to
instruct Rena in the etiquette of the annual ball.

"Now, my dear," said Mrs. Newberry, "the
first thing to do is to get your coronation robe
ready. It simply means a gown with a long train.
You have a lovely white waist. Get right into my
buggy, and we'll go down town to get the cloth,
take it over to Mrs. Marshall's, and have her run