And that the fairest of them all was Editha Dalton seemed to be generally admitted by both old and young.
Strangers, catching sight of that fair face rising above the golden-hearted daisies, pointed her out, and asked who she was. Friends and acquaintances crowded around to catch a word, a smile, a look even, and wondering why they had never before realized how exquisitely lovely she was.
Something of the beauty and excitement of the occasion seemed to animate her. Her burden of sorrow for the time seemed to drop from her heart, and she appeared to become a part of the brightness which surrounded her, while she danced, chatted, and laughed much like the free-hearted, blithesome Editha of old.
Many remarked it afterward, and declared that she must have been a fairy, or elf, who, since they never saw her again, must have floated away at some magic hour of the night at the stern decree of some uncanny ogre. Nor were they far out of the way in their surmises.
The small hours were approaching, and the merriment was at its height. Editha had been dancing with a friend of Mr. Dalton’s, and seemed to enjoy it, as much as any one. She evidently liked her companion, for she made herself very agreeable to him, while he more than once, by his wit and sparkling repartee, had called the familiar silvery laughter from her beautiful lips.
When the dance was through he led her to a quiet place to rest. He did not leave her, but remained standing by her side, watching her expressive face, as she in turn watched the passing throng, forgetful for the time of all save the life and joy of the occasion.
Suddenly he saw her start. A flush leaped into her cheeks, a brighter light to her eyes, as she arose and extended both hands to a gentleman who was approaching.
“Mr. Tressalia! How glad I am! When did you arrive, and how did you find me?” she asked, all in a breath.
“Thank you. I arrived on the late evening train, and I found you by the power of intuition, I think,” he answered, laughing, as he glanced from her to her companion, and heartily shook both hands.
Editha introduced the two gentlemen, and, after a few moments’ conversation, her former companion excused himself and went away with a clouded brow, muttering something about the unexpected appearance of old lovers.