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Rh was such as one meets everywhere. The rooms were decorated in the usual style. Some of the people looked better than others, and some worse than others. The dressing was just as it always is at parties. The hostess and her daughter behaved as people generally do in their own houses; the company as guests usually behave in other people s houses. There was some conversation and some music. The supper was like all other suppers, and everybody went away about the usual hour.” Mrs. Derrington was dubious about taking up the Cotterells.

“I knew we should not get much information out of Mrs. Middleby,” said Miss Telford to Sophia, after the lady had departed. “She always deals in generals, whatever may be the topic of conversation.”

“Because her capacity of observation is so shallow that it cannot take in particulars,” said Ellen Telford. “But here comes Mrs. Honeywood—we will stay to hear what she says.”

Mrs. Honeywood was introduced, and on being applied to for her account of Mrs. Cotterell’s party, she pronounced it every way charming; and told of some delightful people that were there. “Among them,” said Mrs. Honeywood, “was the dashing widow, Mrs. Crandon, as elegant and as much admired as ever. She was certainly the belle of the room, and looked even more captivating than usual, with her blooming cheeks, and her magnificent dark eyes, and her rich and graceful ringlets, and her fine tall figure set off by her superb dress, giving her the air of a duchess, or a countess at least.”

“What was her dress?” inquired Sophia.

“Oh, a beautiful glossy cherry-coloured velvet, trimmed with a profusion of rich black lace. On her head was an exquisite dress-hat of white satin and blond, with a splendid ostrich plume. She was surrounded by beaux all the evening. The gentlemen almost neglected the young ladies to crowd round the enchanting widow, particularly when she played on the harp and sung. They would scarcely allow her to quit the instrument; and, indeed, her music was truly divine. There was quite a scramble as to who should have the honour of leading Mrs. Crandon to the supper-table.”