ho stood
enjoying Winnie's delight. "I thank you, father, for remembering
dear Natalie."

"Is it for me?" asked Natalie, hesitating to receive the gift.

"Yes, take it," said Mr. Santon, putting the treasure into her hand;
"keep it as a memento of our high esteem for you; and," added he, "I,
for one, shall petition, after you have finished your studies, to have
you remain with us another season, that we may then have more of
your society."

Natalie expressed her sincere thanks, but the mention of remaining
another season brought to her remembrance her mother's last letter,
which spoke of her return, and how delighted they would all be to have
her in their little home once more.

The long wished-for time, when Winnie should appear in public, as the
accomplished Miss Santon, at length arrived. Several hundred cards had
been issued for the occasion, and to Winnie's delight but few regrets
had been received; "for," said she, "what is the use of doing things by
the halves?" Mrs. Santon's health had for the last few days been much
improved; so much so, that Winnie had gained from her the promise to
fill her station for a part of the evening. The brilliant lights already
streamed from every window in the mansion, and the finishing touch, (if
such a thing can be said of a lady's toilet,) had been made by Winnie's
attendant, much to the satisfaction of all concerned; for although the
beauty was willing to submit to all the tortures of hair-dressing, etc.,
etc., yet before she was quite converted into a "Parisian belle," she
positively declared she would suffer none of those officials to come
into her presence again for a month. Surveying herself with an air which
would have done credit to a queen, she proceeded to the Sea-flower's
apartments, thinking to banter her a little in her endeavors to make
perfection perfect; but instead of finding her still in dishabille, she
had long ago dismissed her attendant, and was quietly engaged in reading
her bible, before she engaged in those scenes of gaiety which had less
attractions for her.

"Why, you charming creature!" exclaimed Winnie, "I can't help comparing
you to a fairy, preparing for a camp-meeting!" and her wild laugh was
heard reechoing from hall to hall, Natalie smiling at her ludicrous
comparison.

"Why do you look at me with such a bewildered gaze, Winnie? Is my simple
dress not to your fastidious taste?"

"You could not have found anything more becoming, Natie dear;