Not so was Lizzie affected by the presence of “the plebeian.”  Mrs. Harcourt had done plain sewing for her father, and Lizzie had frequently called there for the work.  In this way an acquaintance had been commenced between herself and Ada which had ripened into friendship.  Lizzie, too, had heard the remark of her sister, and, anxious to atone as far as possible for the unkindness, she went up to Ada, expressed her pleasure at seeing her there, and then, as the young ladies were about descending to the parlors, she offered her arm, saying, “I will accompany you down, but, I have no doubt scores of beaus will quickly take you off my hands.”

The parlors were nearly filled when our party reached them, and Ada half-tremblingly clung to Lizzie’s arm, while, with queen-like grace and dignity, Lucy Dayton moved through the crowded drawing-room.  Her quick eye had scanned each gentleman, but her search was fruitless. He was not there, and during the next half-hour she listened rather impatiently to the tide of flattery poured into her ear by some one of her admirers.  Suddenly there was a stir at the door, and Mr. St. Leon was announced.  He was a tall, fine-looking man, probably about twenty-five years of age.  The expression of his face was remarkably pleasing, and such as would lead an entire stranger to trust him, sure that his confidence would not be misplaced.  His manners were highly polished, and in his dignified, self-possessed bearing, there was something which some called pride, but in all the wide world there was not a more generous heart than that of Hugh St. Leon.

Lucy for a moment watched him narrowly, and then her feelings became perfectly calm, for she felt sure that now, for the first time, she looked upon her future husband!  Ere long Anna Graham approached, accompanied by the gentleman, whom she introduced, and then turning, left them alone.  Lucy would have given almost anything to have known whether St. Leon had requested an introduction, but no means of information were at hand, so she bent all her energies to be as agreeable as possible to the handsome stranger at her side, who each moment seemed more and more pleased with her.

Meantime, in another part of the room Lizzie and Ada were the center of attraction.  The same kindness which prompted Anna Graham to invite Ada was careful to see that she did not feel neglected.  For this purpose Anna’s brother, Charlie, a youth of sixteen, had been instructed to pay her particular attention.  This he was not unwilling to do, for he knew no reason why she should not be treated politely, even if she were a sewing woman’s daughter.  Others of the company, observing how attentive Charlie and Lizzie were to the beautiful girl, felt disposed to treat her graciously, so that to her the evening was passing very happily.

When St. Leon entered the room the hum of voices prevented Ada from hearing his name; neither was she aware of his presence until he had been full fifteen minutes conversing with Lucy.  Then her attention was directed toward him by Lizzie.  For a moment Ada gazed as if spellbound; then a dizziness crept over her, and she nervously grasped the little plain gold ring which encircled the third finger of her left hand!