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"I needn't say how glad I ahted the countess and the rest of them will be You must be

prepared for a little hero worship, I' the story of your pluck"

As he lovingly took off Nell's shawl, he whispered: "Dearest, hoeet and beautiful you look! If you kne proud I

a-roouests had already

arrived, and as the countess came forward and kissed Nell, they looked

at her with a keen curiosity, though it was politely veiled

Nell was a little pale as the countess introduced her to one after

another of the county people; but Drake stood near her; and everybody,

prepossessed by her youth, and the girlish dignity and modesty which

characterized her, was very kind and pleasant; and soon the threatened

fit of shyness passed off, and she felt at her ease

The rooot rather crowded Guests were still

arriving Sonificently dressed in honor of the

occasion, but Nell's si dress of the A the rich unifor orders of the queen's levee; and