This did not seem much of a defect to me then , Amy , for I was young and romantic too . Mother never cared much for Eliza , I think , but everyone else liked her . One winter Eliza came to Wyther Grange for a long visit . The Grange was a very lively place then , Amy . Eliza kept the old house ringing with merriment . We went out a great deal and she was always the belle of any festivity we attended . Yet she wore her honours easily ; all the flattery and homage she received did not turn her head . `` That winter we first met Willis Starr . He was a newcomer , and nobody knew much about him , but one or two of the best families took him up , and his own fascinations did the rest . He became what you would call the rage . He was considered very handsome , his manners were polished and easy , and people said he was rich . `` I do n't think , Amy , that I ever trusted Willis Starr . But like all the rest , I was blinded by his charm . Mother was almost the only one who did not worship at his shrine , and very often she dropped hints about penniless adventurers that made Eliza very indignant . `` From the first he had paid Eliza marked attention and seemed utterly bewitched by her . Well , his was an easy winning . Eliza loved him with her whole impulsive , girlish heart and made no attempt to hide it . `` I shall never forget the night they were first engaged . It was Eliza 's birthday , and we were invited to a ball that evening . This yellow gown is the very one she wore .
I suppose that is why she put it away here -- the XXXXX she wore on the happiest night of her life .
birthday charm gown hints homage manners nobody one people worship