“Nonsense!” interrupted Mrs. Hazleton, “he did no such thing. I tell you what first drew my particular attention to _him_, was his very evident admiration of _you_!” “Indeed, ma’ma!” “Yes, indeed, silly child. I overheard him asking who that very beautiful girl was in blue and silver—” “O, ma’ma!” “I don’t wonder he asked, however, for you did look sweetly. It was when you were waltzing with young Langden, and as you floated so sylph-like around the room, I could not help thinking of a portrait I once saw of—” “A Ninnybrain, ma’ma?” Mr. Hazleton burst into a hearty laugh, in which the saucy girl as heartily joined, and even Alice could not refrain a smile. Mrs. Hazleton was evidently disconcerted, but too well pleased with her plans to be angry. “You will see him again to-morrow evening, love,” she continued, “and I think you will alter your opinion.” “By the way, Alice, you promised to go to Mrs. Dashwood’s grand party,” cried Julia; “so you will be able to judge of ma’ma’s prodigy;” and then, as they left the room, she whispered, “Talk of _Herman Wallace_, indeed! I would not give one of dear Frank’s heart-glances for all his frozen lordly looks!” CHAPTER V. MRS. DASHWOOD’S PARTY. The toilet of the fair Julia, for this eventful evening, was made under the tasteful eye of Mrs. Hazleton herself, who wished her daughter to look her loveliest—to eclipse all other stars in that brilliant galaxy of youth and beauty. Next, the adornment of her own person was her chief care—upon Alice she bestowed not a thought. Julia would fain have had the dress of her friend as beautiful as her own, but this Alice rejected as unsuitable, and made her appearance in the dressing-room of her aunt in a simple white muslin, her only ornaments a set of corals, the gift of her uncle. Mrs. Hazleton enrobed in crimson velvet, and Julia radiantly lovely in white satin and blonde, offered a striking contrast to the unpretending Alice. “Well, child, you really look quite well—don’t she, love?” was the careless remark of Mrs. Hazleton, “but only see what a rich color Julia has!—I think I never saw her look so perfectly lovely—quite mature, don’t you think so?—more like me! Why what have you got on?—white muslin over a _plain cambric_! Mercy, had you not a silk skirt? Julia’s tunic is magnificent—I paid one hundred dollars for the lace at Levy’s. Corals are too warm, child—but they will do very well for you—they won’t be noticed. Come here, Julia, and let Alice examine the chasteness of that beautiful aquamarine bracelet—now the ruby—and look at her pin, Alice, is it not superb!” But a brighter jewel was in the breast of Alice—_a heart free from envy_!