Witch Hazel; or, The Secret of the Locket — page 28: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

CHAPTER IY. SOME OTHER CHARACTERS INTRODUCED. The residence of the American consul in London was brilliant with light, and gorgeous with flowers, one evening during the height of the London season, while its elegant roows were thronged with the elile of society, both England and America being largely represented. Couspicuous among this assembly was a very beau- tiful woman of perhaps twenty-five yeurs. She was somewhat above the medium height, with a perfect form, whose every movement was replete with ease and grace, Her small head was crowned with a profusion of nut-brown hair, very carefully and tastefully arranged. Her face was a pure oval in shape. her complexion a clear, creamy tint, with a most délicate bloom on her rounded cheeks. Her eyes were a soft, rich brown, large and full, and very expressive, while her beautiful mouth rivaled the brightest coral in tint, Full of vivacity and sparkle, together with her great beauty, she was one to attract admiring atten- tion in any gathering. She was superbly dressed in a peach-colored silk that was heavy with its own richness, and trimmed with rare lace that was worth thrice its weight in gold. Pearls, set with diamonds, gleamed on her arins and neck, in her small ears, and amid the rich waves of her hair, “Who is she?" The inquiry was made by a distinguished looking gentleman of a lady with whom he had been con- versing. Au American,” was the reply. “Beautiful, isn't | she? : “Exceedingly so. Do you know her, Mra. Ash- leigh?” “Blightly,” responded the lady, witi™ Pew