CHAPTER III.
A brilliant company swept through the elegant apartments of Mrs. De Rivers. It was the opening soirée of the season, and here had gathered, in the regal train of Fashion and Display, the wealth, wit, beauty, and grace, of Penn’s fair city. Music’s enchanting strains breathed delight, fair forms moved in the graceful dance, and through the thronged assembly gay groups were gathered,
“Where the swift thought,
Winging its way with laughter, lingered not,
But flew from brain to brain.”
“Who is that queenly young lady, dressed with such elegant simplicity, talking with Miss De Rivers?” inquired Frank Gadsby of a friend at his elbow.
“Where? ah, I see. Why, is it possible you do not know Miss Laurence? She is the greatest coquette in Philadelphia. Beware—no one escapes who comes under the influence of her bewitching eyes.”
“A fair challenge—I will dare the danger. Will you introduce me?” was the reply.
“With pleasure—but remember my warning,” answered his friend. “Miss Laurence is full of wit, and will cut up your fairest speeches to serve her ridicule; she is proud, and leads her many captives after her with the air of a Juno; she is sensible, and will carry out an argument with the skill of a subtle lawyer. She is handsome—”
“That is easily seen,” interrupted Gadsby. “Pray spare me further detail, and give me an opportunity, if you please, to judge of the rest for myself.”