As a consequence of this allowed latitude, numbers of both sexes who attended the Lalandes' ball came in fancy costumes, and masked. But ladies reliant on their charms were careless about the fastenings of the masks, and, somehow or other, the detested screens soon disappeared, giving the gentlemen an opportunity for the scrutiny and comparing of faces. Many were remarkable for their beauty--some of Bristol's fairest daughters. And as a great seaport, with much foreign element in it, the types were varied. Three, however, attracted special attention--all entitled to the epithet lovely. They had been observed from the beginning, as they were in the withdrawing-room, unmasked, beside Madame Lalande, assisting her in the reception of the guests. Which identifies them as Madame's daughter, and her two nieces, Sabrina and Vaga Powell. So were they. A connoisseur in female beauty would have found it difficult to decide which of the three deserved the palm. Paris himself would have been puzzled to award it. Clarisse, at home, and helping her mother in the duties of introduction stood prominently forward, and so first met the view of the incoming guests. Few who looked upon her would have thought of looking farther, nor cared to take their eyes off. But beyond her face with features of French type, tinted olive and carmine, was another of English outline, all roses set in a framework of gold--Vaga's. In front of this that of the Creole brunette, despite its piquant beauty, was but the shadow of a partial eclipse vainly endeavouring to hide the light of the sun. Beside this, still another face in retirement, which many admired as much as either--Sabrina's. Notwithstanding the preference shown by the frivolous Trojan, stately, queenly Juno had her charms too.