“RADIANT IN SILK, LACE, DIAMONDS, PEARLS, AND RUBIES”
“The presence of Mr. Warburton, Mr. and Mrs. Delance, Marie, and the Reverend Robert Knowles on the floor insured proper decorum and lent an air of seriousness to the event. It proved an effective background for Marie. She shone like a pigeon-blood ruby among garnets. She wore no jewels, and was distinguished only by her beauty and the simplicity of her costume and the unmistakable evidence of good breeding in her face and manners.
“Harry sat with me in the gallery.
“‘She’s wonderful!’ he exclaimed. ‘All this rococo ware simply emphasizes her charm. Only a girl of brains could carry it off as she does. She’s among them and yet apart. An old duke once told me that if you want to know the rank of a lady, observe how she treats an inferior. It’s quite true. By Jove! I’m in love with Marie, and I’m going to make her my wife if possible.’
“‘That’s one really substantial result of the ball,’ I said.
“‘Do you think that she cares for Knowles––that minister chap?’”
“‘I’m inclined to think that she likes you better,’ I said.
“‘Is your inclination encouraged by evidence?’