tunities of the Spaniard, so sad, so perfectly overwhelmed
with the wretchedness of her lot, that it seemed most probable death
might claim the young bride ere the day of sacrifice came. In vain her
mother strove to interest her in the gay proceedings--entreating she
would at least choose a costume for her expected _debut_.

"Do with me as you will, mother," Mildred would reply, with a faint
smile.

In the sleeping-room of Mrs. Donaldson there hung a portrait of a
beautiful Turkish maiden. This picture was a favorite with Mildred,
and it occurred to Mrs. Donaldson that a similar costume would well
become the style of her daughter's beauty. A careful examination of
her own and Mildred's ward-robe convinced her the thing could be done,
and she set herself diligently to prepare the dress--Mildred passively
obeying her directions.

At length all was finished, and in its swift course Time brought round
the appointed evening for the _debut_ of the wretched Mildred, so soon
to become a more wretched wife. At an early hour those guests who
resided at a distance began to arrive, and after partaking of the
grateful refreshments provided for them were conducted to their
dressing-rooms, to prepare for the festivities of the evening--all
being expected to appear _en masque_.

Mrs. Donaldson, the still handsome mistress of the _fete_, wore a
splendid dress of the tartan, in compliment to the Scottish tastes of
her husband, who himself appeared in the costume of a Highland Chief,
and had already entered the drawing-room, in readiness to welcome the
gay throng. The victim, too, was ready. Passive as a lamb in the hands
of the destroyer, she had suffered her mother and her maid to array
her, and now sat like some marbled image, awaiting the coming of
Perozzi to lead her forth.

How lovely she was, nor yet casting one look to the mirror wherein her
exquisite form and beautiful face were reflected. The robe her mother
had chosen was the same as the picture, of a pale rose color, floating
like a summer cloud around her lovely person, and confined to her
waist by a broad girdle of white satin, wrought with gold and clasped
by a superb diamond. The sleeves of the same airy fabric as the caftan
were long and loose, revealing in their transparency the fine contour
of her snowy arm, and were ornamented upon the shoulders and around
the graceful fold of the outer edge with rich embroidery seeded with
pearls. The caftan was slightly open at