Fanny Welcomed By Mrs. Cameron

In answer to this, Gertrude muttered something about "not wishing to
enlarge the circle of her acquaintance," while Mrs. Cameron said nothing,
and the two ladies soon swept haughtily out of the room.

"Never mind," said Frank, to whom Kate related her adventure, "they will
both sing another tune ere long," and he was right too.

The 25th of July at last arrived. Frank had informed Gertrude that she
must look to her father for a beau that evening, as he should be otherwise
engaged; so she was not surprised when her brother, long before sunset,
left the house all equipped for the party. She well knew where he was
going and for whose society she was deserted. One hour later found her
seated in a large armchair before the mirror in her dressing room.

Gertrude was a tall, fine-looking girl, but in the expression of her
handsome features there was something wanting. She lacked soul, and no one
ever looked on the cold, proud face of Gertrude Cameron, without being
convinced that she was altogether heartless and selfish.

On this occasion, as she sat in the large armchair, she said to her
waiting maid, "I say, Jane, you must do your best tonight to have me
splendidly dressed."

"Yes, ma'am, I understand," said Jane, and she proceeded to bedeck her
young mistress with all sorts of finery. Her dress consisted of a rich,
white satin, over which was thrown a skirt of handsomely embroidered lace.
All the ornaments of gold and diamonds for which a place could possibly be
found were heaped upon her, and when her toilet was completed, she seemed
one gorgeous mass of jewelry.