The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 61: what you’re looking at

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

44 REYNOLDS’ WORKS the superb decorations of the theatre, and the flood of daz- zling lustre pouring upon all. From the stage rolled the full tide of song, with the splendid majesty of Lablache, Rossini, and Grisl. Smiles were on every countenance, rapture danced in beaming eyes, and then plaudits escaped from every lip, the well-bred listlessness of aristocracy and fashion yielding to the electric impulse which thrilled around and viving vent to a burst of momentary enthusiasm. But of the first-tier boxes there was one whose charming occupants must specially demand our notice. The group, at this particular instant when we thus seek to rivet the reader’s attention upon that box, consisted of four young ladies, and vainly amidst the brilliant galaxy of beauty filling the whole theatre, might the eye seek for brighter stars of loveliness than those. They were all four apparelled in the richest manner, — all of fine figure, elegant bearing, and surpassing beauty. On the crimson-cushioned parapet of the box were opera-glasses and bouquets, the latter diffusing a soft and refreshing fragrance through the otherwise heated and heavy atmosphere. | Beautiful as the four young ladies were, yet the loveliness of one outshone that of her three companions. Arrayed in a dress of white brocaded satin, fitting tight to the bust, but the skirt of which flowed down in heavy waves of silver, she had all the advantage of magnificent apparel to enhance the surprising lustre of her charms. But even had she been attired in the simplest costume, hers was a loveliness alike too splendid and too fascinating not to attract general notice. Tall, even to the full height of the proudest woman- hood, she blended the stateliness of this imposing stature with the softer traits of delicate, interesting, and enchanting beauty. Her shape, though perfectly symmetrical, was characterized by gorgeous developments, but the gracefully voluptuous contours were replete with the virgin freshness of youth. Though of the most striking appearance, there seemed to be a halo of innocence and a perfume of chastity about her calculated to win the heart even more than her splendid loveliness excited the passions. Her hair was of dark auburn, arranged in bands, —a wreath of artificial leaves, gemmed with sparkling diamonds, setting off the Grecian. knot at the back of the well-shaped head. Her arms, bare to the shoulders, were ornamented with bracelets that CONNIE OO KS (E(0)