of
music which set the little white slipper to tapping out the time as its
wearer waits impatiently for the waltz to begin, and now the room
presents a scene of whirling, whirling figures.

Notice particularly this couple near us and that one in yonder corner,
for I know them well. The ladies are beautiful and respectable.

To be sure, one not accustomed to such scenes would consider them
anything but respectably dressed, with their nude arms, neck and
partially exposed breast, and tightly clinging skirts which more than
suggest the contour of body and limb.

But society and fashion demand such dress; vile men demand it; for them
the waltz would be spoiled of half its pleasure if the woman was not as
nearly nude as she dare be.

The male companions of the two girls are handsome and fashionable, but
of their character not so much can be said, except in condemnation. They
are certainly pleasing, and are in every way endeavoring to be so to
their young lady companions, and appear to have succeeded very well in
their efforts, for, as they whirl over the floor, they gaze into the
eyes gloating over them and gleaming with a fury of lust. They allow
words to be whispered to them which they would not listen to at any
other time; listening now, they come closer still, and in response to a
pressure of her hand, his arm tightens its clasp of her waist, and she,
losing all restraint, yields herself to the evil passion of the moment.
Thus the fury of lustful thought becomes mutual and is mutually enjoyed.

The second scene is in a summer house. Only four characters are required
for this act. They are the four we have particularly noticed in the
ball-room scene.

This, too, would be a pretty scene, if the pleasure of it were not
spoiled for us by the evil we see in it and know may result from it. The
summer house, covered with vines and flowers, is in a beautiful garden
filled with shrubs and trees. The night is calm and cloudless, and the
silvery moon looks sadly down upon the scene through the branches of the
trees.

The girls have been invited to retire thither for rest and refreshment.
The men have previously arranged with a servant for the refreshments,
with plenty of old wine provided for their use, and now they urge the
ladies to partake, saying they will feel refreshed and be sustained by
it for the remainder of the evening.

After much coaxing and pleading they are induced to take a glass. This
accomplished, the me