“I suppose, from that dress, that you are Miss Burns,” she said, with graceful cordiality. “There is no one here to introduce us; but I am Miss Halstead, as the dear, delicate, stupid Rowena, who is to get Ivanhoe away from you.” A flush of scarlet came over Georgiana’s face, as she became conscious of her own light speech, and felt the strange look which Anna turned, unconsciously, upon her; but she turned this embarrassment off with a sweet laugh; and throwing aside her velvet sacque, stood out in the dim room a picture in herself. “How beautifully you are dressed,” she said, scanning Anna’s costume with an admiring glance. “That crimson velvet tunic, with its warmth and depth of color, has singular richness. And the diamond necklace, how the light quivers over it. Upon my word, Madam Savage has exhibited a taste for once. The whole effect is wonderful.” “It is her taste; I had nothing to do with it,” said Anna, glancing at her own loveliness in the glass. “The diamond necklace, if it is diamonds, belongs to her. Indeed, I scarcely know myself in this dress or place.” “But I hope to know you, and intimately, some day,” answered Georgiana, with prompt admiration. “But here comes the madam, with a train of committee-ladies, ready to give us inspection. Don’t let them change a fold of that turban, or a single thing about you. Remember, those who have the least taste will be the first to interfere.” “Here they are all ready, and looking so lovely,” cried Mrs. Savage, sweeping into the room, followed close by half a dozen associates, whose silken dresses rustled sumptuously as they moved. “Isn’t she perfect, dear child? But when is she otherwise?” Here Mrs. Savage stooped and kissed Georgiana’s white neck with a glow of natural fondness, which the girl felt in her heart of hearts, and became radiant at once. “And Miss Burns, too. How completely she has followed out my idea. Isn’t she the most fascinating little Jewess that ever lived? Ah! are they ready? Come, Georgie, child, you are wanted. Ladies, hurry back to your seats. I would not have you lose this tableau for any thing.”