Explore "Married or Single? , Volume III" by B. M. Croker on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
In due time all preparations were completed for the reception of Mr. and Miss West's guests. The grand staircase was lined with palm-trees and immense tropical ferns, and lights were cunningly arranged amid the dusky foliage; a fountain of scent played at the head of this splendid and unique approach, and here stood the host and hostess side by side.
Mr. West was adorned in a plain evening suit -- (would, oh! would that he might have decked himself with chains and orders! ) -- and a perennial smile. His daughter was arrayed in a French gown of white satin and white chiffon, powdered with silver. Diamonds shone on her bodice, her neck, and in her hair. She required no such adjuncts to set off her appearance, but there they were! Although tired and fagged, she looked as superior to most of her lady guests -- who were chiefly of average everyday prettiness -- as a Eucharist lily to a single dahlia. Her colour and eyes were exceptionally bright, for she was flushed by fatigue, excitement, and anxiety.