He readily assented to Lottie's request that he should accept Mrs. Byram's invitation, and found a strange pleasure in her graciousness and vivacity at the supper-table.
His simple toilet was soon made, and he sought the parlor and a book to pass the time while waiting for the Others. Lottie was a veteran at the dressing-table, and by dint of exacting much help from Bel, and resting content with nature's bountiful gifts,—that needed but little enhancing from art,—she, too, was ready considerably in advance of the others, and, in the full UNdress which society permits, thought to dazzle the plain Western student, as a preliminary to other conquests during the evening.
And he was both dazzled and startled as she suddenly stood before him under the chandelier in all the wealth of her radiant beauty.
Her hair was arranged in a style peculiarly her own, and powdered. A necklace of pearls sustained a diamond cross that was ablaze with light upon her white bosom. Her arms were bare, and her dress cut as low as fashion would sanction. In momentary triumph she saw his eye kindle into almost wondering admiration; and yet it was but momentary, for almost instantly his face began to darken with disapproval.
She at once surmised the cause; and at first it amused her very much, as she regarded it as an evidence of his delightful ignorance of society and ministerial prudishness.
"I gather from your face, Mr. Hemstead, that I am not dressed to suit your fastidious taste."
"I think you are incurring a great risk in so exposing yourself this cold night, Miss Marsden."
"That is not all your thought, Mr. Hemstead."
"You are right," he said gravely, and with heightened color.
"But it's the style; and fashion, you know, is a despot with us ladies."