Reserved, almost painfully so, he was generally prone in such scenes as this to stand alone, for few indeed were those of either sex with whom the soul of Eugene St.Eval could hold commune; but this night there was more animation than usual glittering in his dark eyes.

He was the first of the admiring crowd to join Mr.and Mrs.Hamilton's party, and petition for the hand of Caroline in the next quadrille.

It was with a smile of proud satisfaction her father relinquished her to the young man, for she had consented, although the watchful eye of her mother observed her glance round the room, as if in search for some other, and a shade of disappointment pass over her brow, that said her search was fruitless; that feeling was but momentary, however.

She joined the festive throng, and her young heart beat quicker as she met the many glances of undisguised admiration fixed constantly upon her.

Seldom had Mr.
Hamilton been so beset as he was that night by the number of young men who pressed forward to implore him for an introduction to his beautiful daughter; and Caroline's every anticipation of triumph was indeed fulfilled.