For this purpose Anna's brother, Charlie, a youth of sixteen, had been instructed to pay her particular attention.

This he was not unwilling to do, for he knew no reason why she should not be treated politely, even if she were a sewing woman's daughter.

Others of the company, observing how attentive Charlie and Lizzie were to the beautiful girl, felt disposed to treat her graciously, so that to her the evening was passing very happily.
When St.Leon entered the room the hum of voices prevented Ada from hearing his name; neither was she aware of his presence until he had been full fifteen minutes conversing with Lucy.

Then her attention was directed toward him by Lizzie.

For a moment Ada gazed as if spellbound; then a dizziness crept over her, and she nervously grasped the little plain gold ring which encircled the third finger of her left hand! Turning to Lizzie, who, fortunately, had not noticed her agitation, she said, "What did you say his name was ?" "St.Leon, from New Orleans," replied Lizzie.
"Then I'm not mistaken," Ada said inaudibly.
At that moment Anna Graham approached, and whispered something to Ada, who gave a startled look, saying, "Oh, no, Miss Anna; you would not have me make myself ridiculous." "Certainly not," answered Anna; "neither will you do so, for some of your songs you sing most beautifully.