Agnes was attired in snowy white; a few rose-buds forming her only
ornament; her face was lit up with a joyous smile, as she greeted one
after another of her old companions; and there was something in the
expression of that countenance, a blending of the highest and loftiest
emotions, with all the social tenderness in which woman finds her chief
earthly happiness, so irresistibly attractive, that he who could turn
away coldly or unmoved, must indeed be a cynic, if not the veriest stoic
that ever trod our beautiful earth.
In a recess, formed by a large bow window, and which, though at the
furthest end of the room, was admirably fitted for a looker-on,
commanding, as it did, a view of the whole, two ladies were seated,
busily engaged in that most delightful of occupations, gossiping, for
which they found ample material, as guest after guest paid their
respects to the mistress of the dwelling.
"Only look," said the elderly lady, addressing her companion, as Arthur
crossed the room, to speak to Agnes; "just look, what a melancholy
appearance Mr.
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