Men raved about
her, declared her irresistible, worshipped at her shrine, but never
dared aspire to her love; one scornful glance from her cold blue eyes
effectually extinguished any nascent hope, and the cruel beauty punished
presumption as relentlessly, and won and flung away hearts with as much
nonchalance, as ever did her immortal prototype, the fair goddess of the
chase.
How was this exquisite creature dressed? It would require more
sang-froid than we are possessed of to venture upon a description of
her perfect toilet; her raiment floated about her graceful form like a
luminous cloud, in which one could think only of herself; we believe,
however, that there were clusters of pearls nestling amid the bright
curls that made an aureola--a veritable golden glory--about her
beautiful head.
Behind these fair ladies sat or stood the nobles and gentlemen who had
the honour of being their fathers, husbands, and brothers. Some were
leaning forward to whisper soft nothings and dainty compliments into
willing ears, others lounging and fanning themselves lazily with their
broad felt hats, and others still standing in the background looking
admiringly at the pretty group before them. The hum of conversation
filled the air, and a slight impatience was just beginning to manifest
itself among the waiting audience, when the traditional three knocks
were heard, and all suddenly subsided into silence.
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