The beautiful contrast that was evident to all, between Caroline, the plainest-dressed maiden in the room, and Melvina the gayest and most imposing, soon drew all eyes upon the former, and Melvina had the discrimination to perceive that she had a rival near the throne, in one whom she little dreamed of fearing; and whose innocent heart she knew too well to accuse of design.

Soon cotillion parties were formed, and among the first to offer his hand to Melvina, was a young man named Sheldon, the same alluded to as declaring that he would dance with her, as he always did with the belle of the ball room.  Melvina knew his character well, and Henry Clarence was aware that she possessed this knowledge.  His eye was upon her, and she knew it.  But she did not know of the determination that he formed or else she would have hesitated.

“The most splendid man in the room, and the most graceful dancer,” were the thoughts that glanced through her mind, as she smiled an assent to his invitation to become his partner.  “I shall not yet lose my power.”

And now all eyes were again upon the brilliant beauty threading the mazy circles, with glowing cheek and sparkling eye.  And few thought of blaming her for dancing with Sheldon, whose character ought to have banished him from virtuous society.  But there was one whose heart sickened as he looked on, and that one was Henry Clarence.  He lingered near the group of dancers but a few minutes, and then wandered away to another room.

“Permit me to transfer my company, Mr. Clarence,” said the young man who had thus far monopolized the society of Caroline Gay.  “I will not be selfish; and besides, I fear I am becoming too dull for my fair friend here.”

With a bow and a smile, Clarence received on his arm the fair girl.  He felt for her a tenderer regard than had heretofore warmed his heart, as he strolled through the rooms and listened to her sweet, penetrating voice.  And whenever he turned and looked her in the face, he saw that in the expression of her eyes which he had never marked before—­something of tenderness that made his own heart beat with a quicker motion.  As they drew near the dancers, they observed Sheldon with Melvina leaning on his arm, and two or three others, engaged in maikng up another cotillion.

“We want but one more couple, and here they are,” said Sheldon, as Clarence and Caroline came up.

“Will you join this set?” asked Clarence, in a low tone.

“Not this one,” she replied.

“Miss Gay does not wish to dance now,” her companion said, and they moved away.

But the cotillion was speedily formed without them, and the dance proceeded.

Half an hour after, while Henry Clarence and Caroline were sitting on a lounge, engaged in close conversation, Sheldon came up, and bowing in his most graceful manner, and, with his blandest smile, said,

“Can I have the pleasure of dancing with Miss Gay, this evening?”