This young lady was about eighteen years of age, a beauty, an heiress, and, per consequence, a _belle_. She was a brunette; her beauty was of a warm, majestic, voluptuous character; her eyes beamed with the fire of passion, and her features were full of expression and sentiment. Her attire was elegant, tasteful, and unique, consisting of a loose, flowing robe of white satin, trimmed with costliest lace; her hair was beautifully arranged in the best Parisian style; and her tiny feet were encased in gold-embroidered slippers. The peculiarity of her dress concealed the outlines of her form; yet the garment being made very low in the shoulders, the upper portions of a magnificently full bust were visible. For some time she continued to sip her chocolate and read in silence; but soon she exclaimed, in a rich, melodious voice-- 'Very well, indeed!--and so those odious editors have given the full particulars of the great ball last night, and have complimented me highly on my grace and beauty! Ah, I never could have ventured there in any other costume than the one I wore. These loose dresses are capital things--but my situation becomes more and more embarrassing every day.' At this moment a domestic announced Mr. Francis Sydney, and the announcement was followed by the entrance of that gentleman. 'My dear Julia,' said Frank, seating himself--'you will pardon my intrusion at this unfashionable hour, but I was anxious to learn the state of your health, after the fatigues of last night's assembly.' 'No apology is necessary, my dear Frank,' replied the lady, with a bewitching smile, at the same time giving him her hand, which he tenderly raised to his lips. 'I am in excellent health this morning, although dreadfully bored with _ennui_, which I trust will be dispelled by the enlivening influence of your presence.' 'What happiness do I derive from the reflection, my sweet girl,' said Frank, drawing his chair closer to hers, 'that, in one short month, I shall call you mine! Yes, we shall then stand before the bridal altar, and I shall have the felicity of wedding the loveliest, most accomplished, and purest of her sex!' 'Ah, Francis,' sighed the lady--'how joyfully will I then bestow upon you the gift of this hand!--my heart you have already.' These words were said with so much tenderness, and with such a charming air of affectionate modesty, that the young man caught her to his breast and covered her lips with kisses. Struggling from his ardent embrace, Julia said to him, in a tone of reproach,-- 'Francis, this is the first time you ever forgot the respect due to me as a lady; but do not repeat the offense, or you will diminish my friendship for you--perhaps, my love also.--When we are _married_,' she added, blushing--'my person will be wholly yours--but not till then.' 'Pardon me, dear Julia,' entreated Frank, in a tone of contrition--'I will not offend again.' The lady held out her hand, and smiled her forgiveness.