The evening of Grace's birthday party arrived. A large number of invitations had been sent out, for Mrs. Sheldon had a large circle of acquaintances and friends The daily papers had already mentioned the forthcoming party as likely to be one of the most memorable of the season.
Mrs. Sheldon determined to spare no expense to make it so. She was not vulgarly lavish, but there are occasions when she thought money should be spent freely. Moreover, she was determined to do what she could to secure a brilliant matrimonial alliance for her niece, of whose beauty she was justifiably proud. Indeed she was a natural match-maker, though she was compelled not to allow Grace to see her maneuvers too plainly, as nothing would have been more repugnant to the niece than to think she was set up as a prize in a matrimonial lottery.
A professional confectioner was given carte blanche for the supper, which was to be recherche, and the decorations were put into the hands of a man whose taste was unimpeachable.
"Aunt Caroline," said Grace, "I am afraid you are going to large expense on my party."
"Why should I not, my dear?"
"It seems wasteful. How many poor families could be relieved by the money it will cost!"
"What a quixotic idea, Grace! In my opinion the poor have quite enough done for them. Would you have us give up all amusements for their sake?"
"No, I won't go so far as that. Still it ought to check undue extravagance to reflect that we have so many that are destitute among us."
"They shall have their turn, Grace. I am sure you spend a great deal of money on the poor."
"Not half enough, aunt."