CHAPTER I.
FAIREST OF THE FAIR.
Judge Camden’s two beautiful granddaughters were the pride of Fauquier County, and both were so charming that Paris himself must have hesitated long before awarding the golden apple to one alone as fairest of the fair.
Violet Mead and Amber Laurens were cousins and orphans, and looked upon as heiresses, for all of the old judge’s money would come to them at his death.
Violet was as lovely as her namesake flower, a blonde, with curling golden hair, dazzling dark-blue eyes, a pink and white skin, and an arch, spirited face, where Cupid hid in bewitching dimples. She was barely seventeen, and Amber but one year older—Amber, the brilliant brunette, with her graceful, willowy form, so tall and slender, golden-hazel eyes, olive skin, and dark-brown tresses in smooth, satiny braids at the back of her proud little head. They were as different in mind as in looks, for Violet was frank, free, spirited, with a sunshiny nature; while Amber was quite the reverse in everything—reserved and dignified, with an undercurrent of jealous pride and passion.
The two girls had never been as fond of each other as some cousins, but they were carelessly affectionate, and they might never have become so terribly alienated had they not had the bitter misfortune of losing their hearts to the same man.
How many alienations have come from this one cause; how many awful tragedies have followed in its train; how many hearts have been broken for a jealous love!
“Oh, Love! so sweet at first,
So bitter in the end;
Thou canst be fiercest foe,
As well as fairest friend!”