In what fitting terms of wonder and delight, in what choice expression and soft flow of language, can I usher in the loveliest, wisest, best?  How in poor assemblage of words convey the halo of glory that surrounded her, the thousand graces that waited unwearied on her.  The first thing that struck you on beholding that charming countenance was its perfect goodness and frankness; candour sat upon her brow, simplicity in her eyes, heavenly benignity in her smile.  Her tall slim figure bent gracefully as a poplar to the breezy west, and her gait, goddess-like, was as that of a winged angel new alit from heaven’s high floor; the pearly fairness of her complexion was stained by a pure suffusion; her voice resembled the low, subdued tenor of a flute.  It is easiest perhaps to describe by contrast.  I have detailed the perfections of my sister; and yet she was utterly unlike Idris.  Perdita, even where she loved, was reserved and timid; Idris was frank and confiding.  The one recoiled to solitude, that she might there entrench herself from disappointment and injury; the other walked forth in open day, believing that none would harm her.  Wordsworth has compared a beloved female to two fair objects in nature; but his lines always appeared to me rather a contrast than a similitude: 

  A violet by a mossy stone
  Half hidden from the eye,
  Fair as a star when only one
  Is shining in the sky.

Such a violet was sweet Perdita, trembling to entrust herself to the very air, cowering from observation, yet betrayed by her excellences; and repaying with a thousand graces the labour of those who sought her in her lonely bye-path.  Idris was as the star, set in single splendour in the dim anadem of balmy evening; ready to enlighten and delight the subject world, shielded herself from every taint by her unimagined distance from all that was not like herself akin to heaven.

I found this vision of beauty in Perdita’s alcove, in earnest conversation with its inmate.  When my sister saw me, she rose, and taking my hand, said, “He is here, even at our wish; this is Lionel, my brother.”  Idris arose also, and bent on me her eyes of celestial blue, and with grace peculiar said—­“You hardly need an introduction; we have a picture, highly valued by my father, which declares at once your name.  Verney, you will acknowledge this tie, and as my brother’s friend, I feel that I may trust you.”

Then, with lids humid with a tear and trembling voice, she continued—­ “Dear friends, do not think it strange that now, visiting you for the first time, I ask your assistance, and confide my wishes and fears to you.  To you alone do I dare speak; I have heard you commended by impartial spectators; you are my brother’s friends, therefore you must be mine.  What can I say? if you refuse to aid me, I am lost indeed!” She cast up her eyes, while wonder held her auditors mute; then, as if carried away by her feelings, she cried—­“My