appearance, while conversing with an elderly gentleman she slowly approached the dancing-room. Yes, it was she, still the same as ever in appearance and gracefulness, and in beautiful and tasteful dress. I recognised the string of real pearls and the locket set with brilliants around her neck, and the beautiful arms, which in my childhood I loved to kiss; I recognised the beautiful countenance, the imposing and yet so charming portance. She was still the same as ever, who ten years ago stood before my eyes a demi-goddess in the splendid Presidence saloon, when, as the lady of the Governor of the province, she held her court with the exterior of a queen; yes, she was still the same as I then saw; and any thing more distinguished I have never seen since (though I have seen much in the world) and shall probably see still more, although .... It was my stepmother!

My heart beat not a little when I saw her slowly advancing towards the side on which I sat, and antici. pated the moment of recognition. It arrived. The eyes of my stepmother rested on me; she started, looked at me again, and with riveted attention I rose; she hastened up to me, and soon-we embraced each other; not without mutual embarrassment, which was concealed, however, by the surprise and mutual apologies on my part on account of my premature arrival, and on hers, on account of the condition of my room. My stepmother now called "Selma! Selma!" and the white sylph floated towards me, and I clasped my youthful sister in my arms, rejoiced that she was "the white rose," delighted also that so cordial a joy beamed from her bright blue eyes, while, blushing, she bade me a hearty welcome. My glance now involuntarily met that

of my former neighbour, who at some distance contemplated us attentively with a gentle, half-melancholy smile. My stepmother then called, "Flora!" and beckoned; but Flora, engaged in a lively conversation with some gentlemen, did not hear immediately. Selma hastened to her, took hold of her arm, and brought her to me. I saw "the red rose," the second queen of the ball before me. Selma whispered-" Sophia! your and my cousin Flora!"

My cousin, Flora Delphin, whom I saw for the first time, saluted me politely, and after a short and indifferent conversation, returned to the gentlemen.

"No further introductions this evening, my sweet Selma," I entreated. "I know that I must have many relations here yet, with whom I am unacquainted, but I wish to defer a closer acquaintanceship with them for the present."

"So much the better," replied she, "I can then have your company quite to myself. I shall not engage in this dance-I must talk to you."

And when they were about commencing a française and Selma's cavalier approached, she begged to be excused, and presented him to a young lady sitting near, whom he led to the dance; then, seating herself next to me, inquired with warm interest about matters concerning myself, and reminded me, with a voice full of tender recollection, "how kind I had been to her in her childhood, related stories to her, played with her, and got up all sorts of little amusements and so forth for her enjoyment."

"Now, Selma," said I, interrupting her, "you must tell me some stories; but only such as are founded on facts, of course. For I am quite unacquainted with the

circle around me, and should like to be introduced into it, or, still better, let it come to me, without any trouble."

"Ah, then you have just applied to the right person," said Selma, with comic dignity; " and now in order to commence as mistress of the ceremonies,-whom shall I have the honour of presenting to you first in this assembly?"

"The stately lady there with the waving bird of paradise in that turban of silver gauze and black velvet robe, who is now talking to your mother and laughing -a beautiful lady-she might represent the queen of the night."

"So she is, indeed," rejoined Selma, laughing. "Signora Luna, as we sometimes designate her, or our bright-eyed lady,' is lady of honour with her Majesty the queen, where the night, as is well known, is turned into day. You will be pleased with her; she is one of our very best acquaintances; and this evening Signora Luna is in her new moon. Shall I now immediately . . . ."

"No, no, not this evening. Signora Luna is at this hour too dazzling for me. Who is that tall gentleman, who is now addressing her? Also a stately personage, but a little ostentatious."

66 Respect, I beg, for-Alexander the Great, or the Great Alexander-he has translated Aristotle's Logic and Rhetoric; a very learned man, and is the husband of fair lady Luna.”

"Most obedient servant! But, my dearest, here seems to be the most extraordinary society in the world-Signora Luna, Alexander the Great. curious to know what superhuman greatness I shall

I am

now have the honour to form the acquaintance of; that military man, for instance, I should like to know by name; he is now discoursing with a gentleman, wearing a star on his breast; but he appears to me, at least, a creation of earth."

"Not altogether, for he is more connected with the sea. We call him the 'Viking;' besides he is Commodore Brenner-a very nice and distinguished character Do you know to whom he is speaking?

"No, but I should like to know. His name most assuredly must be Aristides, or Axel Oxenstjerna. I fancy I have seen him before."

"That is Baron Thorsten Lennartson; you will frequently see him here; he has been Felix Delphin's guardian, and is at this present time Flora's guardian."

"He is the same whom I thought I recognised again. You have not given him any name of character, Selma. But I will give him one."

"And what will that be?"

"I will christen him the lordly Baron in contradistinction from a number of other barons; for he looks to me as if he could be lord over himself. What think you?"

"Excellent! One would fancy you had known him a long time already."

"I saw him once a long time ago, and .... But there stands a person, which methinks I have also seen before, a regular, but marble-cold expression, somewhat sallow, with the features of a Voltaire."

"Another relation of yours. Your and my brotherin-law, L'Envoyé, St. Orme, who arrived here a few months ago from Paris."

"Virginia's husband. Ak, I recognise him again. But it is more than ten years since I saw him at Virginia's wedding. How beautiful she was! and to leave this world so soon-a year after her marriage."

"Yes, on the anniversary of her wedding-day," said Selma, with a voice betokening painful recollections. I therefore inquired further:

"And who is that young officer with whom you were dancing just now-an uncommonly handsome young man?"

Again another relative, Felix Delphin, Flora's brother. Is not Flora very beautiful?"

"Yes, very beautiful.”

"And how full of spirit and richly endowed. She is possessed of at least a dozen talents."

"That's almost too much," rejoined I, laughing. "And now, thanks, sweet Selma, for having entertained me so agreeably. I now perceive a gentleman approaching you with dancing intentions, and you must not drive the dancers any longer into despair on my account. Do not make yourself uneasy about me; I shall be highly delighted with looking at the dance, and noticing the new and interesting acquaintances I have made-Signora Luna, Alexander the Great, the Baron

"Deign to glance also at the Philosopher," said Selma, archly, pointing at one of the servants in the family livery, who with a tray full of ices came up to us, and had a very serious face, with the features of a parrot."

"Take care, Jacob," continued she, turning herself jestingly, to the footman, "and mind that we don't waltz over you."