"
As he looked at the radiant figure a sense of wonder stole over
him. Could this magnificent beauty really be Dora's daughter--
Dora who had stained her pretty hand with strawberry juice so
many years ago?
He knew nothing of the details of the dress, he saw only the
beautiful face and glorious eyes, the crowns of waving hair, the
white, stately neck and exquisite arms. Before him was a gleam
of pale pink satin, shrouded with lace so fine and delicate that
it looked like a fairy web; and the Earle diamonds were not
brighter than the dark eyes. They became the wearer well. They
would have eclipsed a fair, faded beauty; they added radiance to
Beatrice's.
"Where is Lillian?" he asked; and she knew from the tone of his
voice how proud and satisfied he was.
"I am here, papa," said a gentle voice. "I wanted you to see
Beatrice first."
Lord Earle hardly knew which to admire the more. Lillian looked
so fair and graceful; the pure, spiritual face and tender eyes
had new beauty; the slender, girlish figure contrasted well with
the stately dignity of Beatrice.
"I hope it will be a happy evening for you both," he said.
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