Alice and I were preparing for the first ball, when Charles came home, having been absent several weeks.

The conservatory was finished, and looked well, jutting from the garden-room, which we used often, since the weather had been cold.

The flowers and plants it was filled with were more fragrant and beautiful than rare.

I never saw him look so genial as when he inspected it with us.

Alice was in good-humor, also, for he had brought her a set of jewels.
"Is it not her birthday," he said, when he gave her the jewel case, "or something, that I can give Cassandra this ?" taking a little box from his pocket.
"Oh yes," said Alice; "show it to us." "Will you have it ?" he asked me.
I held out my hand, and he put on my third finger a diamond ring, which was like a star.
"How well it looks on your long hand!" said Alice.
"What unsuspected tastes I find I have!" I answered.