The young girl stood upon the piazza as long as she could see the carriage, and turning into the house with a sad heart, Effie sought and found the comfort that she needed, at the feet of her own dear Saviour. Let us follow Madeline to the scene of her introduction into the gay world. Established in an elegant suite of rooms in one of the most fashionable hotels in New York, Madeline and her aunt were busily occupied in giving orders for her winter outfit. This was Aunt Matilda's element, and neither expense nor pains were spared on the wardrobe of the young lady. Soon cards from the upper circles of the great metropolis multiplied in the card basket of our young novice. All was pleasure and excitement, and weeks were occupied in returning these numerous visits, and attending to milliners, dressmakers, &c. Madeline's first appearance for the season was at the ball of Mrs. Rossiter, one of the leaders of fashion in New York. Attired in the most exquisite taste, for the first time her mother's diamonds adorned her person. When she entered the elegant room, leaning upon the arm of her father, all eyes were turned towards her, in whispers of admiration. As she passed, "Beautiful!" "exquisite!" "charming!" greeted her everywhere. "Let us be seated, papa," murmured Madeline, for the public gaze was oppressive. She was the centre of attraction the whole evening, her hand sought for in every dance; truly, the young girl was completely bewildered and intoxicated. And so, night after night, the ovation of flattery was laid at the feet of Madeline Hamilton. Harry Castleton was among the most devoted of her admirers; but he was simply tolerated, for Madeline saw through the shallowness of his pretensions, and really pitied his contemptible folly. "Well, papa, who do you think is the reigning star this winter?" said Helen Thornly. "I do not know much about the gay world now, daughter, for I tired of it long ago; but I suppose every season has its own particular star, that shines a little while, to be eclipsed by another." "Madeline Hamilton is the theme of every tongue; her beauty, her wealth, her accomplishments, have made her all the ton--the beaux are crazy to be found in her train, and the belles are dying of envy." "Have you met her anywhere, Helen?" "Yes, papa, at Mrs. Trevor's--she is splendid in her point lace and diamonds. I wish you could have seen her; and yet she does not seem vain. She always was an artless, impulsive girl; but I think New York will spoil her simplicity." Roland listened to the remarks, and felt a deeper sinking of the heart, as he realized the ordeal through which Madeline was passing; but still, remembering all the past, and the power of first impressions, he could look upward, and trust that she would yet come out unscathed. Her world was entirely remote from his; they met but occasionally, and that in the street, but seldom at Mr. Thornly's.