Neith Boyce

“ It was all in blue and white, with charming enamelled furniture, silk, and lace. She sighed at the thought of leaving it to go back to her mother's house. But, after all, there was Monday night to look forward to.
Cecilia came in, wrapped in a white dressing-gown, to bid her good-night. Bertha kissed her warmly.
"How good he is—Frederick—isn't he!" she cried. "He is just as kind as he can be."
"Yes, he is," said Cecilia. "He likes you, Bertha. You looked very sweet to-night. I've been thinking about Monday night. This white dress will be right for you to wear. Mr. Seton has a box, he said. ”

“ There were very few young people available. At this evening's dinner, the first they had given, Mr. Hawley had indicated the people to be asked, not with a view to Bertha. But supposing Mr. Seton were struck with her, as seemed possible, Cecilia felt that she must find out about Mr. Seton. Frederick was rather dubious about him.
"Oh, a good fellow enough—about town a good deal, I hear. I've heard of his gambling—once or twice. Keeps a couple of race-horses. He has the money, of course, if he wants to spend it that way. And he's straight enough. Not a drinking man." ”

“ Her dress now was black lace, cut only a little low about her fair neck, and with elbow sleeves. Her reddish hair was very simply done, without ornament, and she wore none of the diamonds Mr. Hawley had given her except a small pendant on a gold chain and her rings. Bertha could not but feel that Cecilia wasted her opportunities.
"I thought you would dress up more," she said disappointedly. "They are quite swell people, aren't they?" ”

“ Walker got up to go, requesting that a message should be sent down to her coachman. Her brusque statement that Frederick required rest of course broke up the party. Mr. Seton also took his leave. But before he went he had asked the Hawleys to go to the play with him on Monday night, including Bertha in the party. Mr. Hawley accepted cordially, in spite of Cecilia's protesting glance, and then added, "I'll go if I can. At any rate, you may count on the ladies." And Bertha, as she gave him her hand for good-night, was radiant with pleasure. ”

“ Walker. "‘Business' is their one idea. For years now I've been telling Frederick that he ought to retire. He has enough, certainly. And this young Seton, I understand, has a very good head—has taken hold of things wonderfully."
"Yes," said Cecilia dubiously, "but—he's young, and rather—rather gay, perhaps."
She reserved Mr. Hawley's remarks on the subject of young Seton's racing and general "sporting" tendency. ”

“ She went every Saturday to the play; had her special adorations among the actors and actresses; loved the romantic: Beau Brummel—Prince Carl—Cyrano! She was going the next day to see "A Royal Family." ”