Lucy had frequently seen Ada in the streets, but never before had she met her, and she now determined to treat her with the utmost disdain.
Not so was Lizzie affected by the presence of "the plebeian." Mrs.
Harcourt had done plain sewing for her father, and Lizzie had frequently called there for the work.

In this way an acquaintance had been commenced between herself and Ada which had ripened into friendship.

Lizzie, too, had heard the remark of her sister, and, anxious to atone as far as possible for the unkindness, she went up to Ada, expressed her pleasure at seeing her there, and then, as the young ladies were about descending to the parlors, she offered her arm, saying, "I will accompany you down, but, I have no doubt scores of beaus will quickly take you off my hands." The parlors were nearly filled when our party reached them, and Ada half-tremblingly clung to Lizzie's arm, while, with queen-like grace and dignity, Lucy Dayton moved through the crowded drawing-room.

Her quick eye had scanned each gentleman, but her search was fruitless.
_He_ was not there, and during the next half-hour she listened rather impatiently to the tide of flattery poured into her ear by some one of her admirers.

Suddenly there was a stir at the door, and Mr.St.Leon was announced.