“A young lady will always be safest in society, Alice—­always more certain to make a good impression, if she subordinate her love of dress and ornament as much as possible to her mother’s taste.  In breaking away from this, my dear, you have gone over to an extreme that, if persisted in, will class you with vain lovers of admiration; with mere show girls, who, conscious of no superior moral and mental attractions, seek to win by outward charms.  Be not of them, dear Alice, but of the higher class, whose minds are clothed in beautiful garments whose loveliest and most precious things are, like jewels, shut within a casket.”

Alice withdrew, silent, almost hurt, though not offended, and more than half resolved to give up the party.  But certainly recollections checked this forming resolve before it reached a state of full decision.

“How will this do?” She pushed open the door of her aunt’s room half an hour afterwards with this sentence on her lips.  Her cheeks were glowing, and her eyes full of sparkles.  So complete was the change, that for a brief space the aunt gazed at her wonderingly.  She wore a handsome fawn-colored silk, made high in the neck, around which was a narrow lace collar of exceeding fineness, pinned with a single diamond.  A linked band of gold, partly hidden by the lace undersleeve, clasped one of her wrists.  A small spray of pearls and silver formed the only ornament for her hair, and nestled, beautifully contrasted among its dark and glossy braids.

“Charming!” replied aunt Helen, in no feigned admiration.  “In my eyes you are a hundred times more attractive than you were, a little while ago, and will prove more attractive to all whose favor is worth the winning.”  And she arose and kissed her nice lovingly.

“I am not overdressed.”  Alice smiled.

“Better underdressed than overdressed, always, my dear, If there is any fault, it is on the right side.”

“I am glad you are pleased, aunt Helen.”

“Are you not better pleased with yourself?” was asked.

“I can’t just say that, aunt.  I’ve worn this dress in company several times, and it’s very plain.”

“It is very becoming, dear; and we always appear to best advantage in that which most accords with our style of person and complexion.  To my eyes, in this more simple yet really elegant apparel, you look charming.  Before, you impressed me with a sense of vulgarity; now, the impression, is one of refinement.”

“Thank you for such flattering words, aunt Helen.  I will accept the pictures in your eyes as justly contrasted.  Of one thing I am sure, I shall feel more at ease, and less conscious of observation, than would have been the case had I gone in my gayer attire.  Good evening.  It is growing late, and I must be away.”

The maiden stooped, and kissed her aunt affectionately.

“Good evening, dear, and may the hours be pleasant ones.”