general chorus of flattery by mild assertions like the following:

"Do you know that there is not a lady present that for a moment can
compare with you?"

"How delightfully frank he is!" thought Zell of her distinguished
admirer, who was as open as a quicksand that can swallow up anything
and leave not a trace on its surface. Edith was quite as beautiful as
Zell, but far less brilliant and pronounced. Though quiet and
graceful, she was not stately like Laura. Her full dark eyes were
lustrous rather than sparkling, and they dwelt shrewdly and
comprehendingly on all that was passing, and conveyed their
intelligence to a brain that was judging quite accurately of men and
things at a time when so many people "lose their heads."

Zell was intoxicated by the incense she received. Laura offered
herself so much that she was enshrouded in a thick cloud of
complacency all the time. Edith was told by the eyes and manner of
those around her that she was beautiful and highly favored by wealth
and position generally. But she knew this, as a matter of fact,
before, and did not mean to make a fool of herself on account of it.
These points thoroughly settled and quietly realized, she was in a
condition to go out of herself and enjoy all that was going on.

She was specially elated at this time also, as she had gathered from
her father's words that his danger was nearly over and that before the
week was out they could defy Mr. Fox, look forward to Europe and
bright voyaging generally.

Mr. Allen did not tell her his terrible fear that Mr. Fox had been a