creature such a rebuke as should be an all-sufficient evidence to her and

to such as her, that there was a limit where the flaunting of their foul

acts and opinions before the world must stop; certain of them, with a

higher art, and to her a finer cruelty, a sharper torture, uttered no

abuse, but always spoke of her in terms of mocking eulogy and ironical

admiration. Everybody talked about the new wonder, canvassed the theme

of her proposed discourse, and marveled how she would handle it.

Laura's few friends wrote to her or came and talked with her, and pleaded

with her to retire while it was yet time, and not attempt to face the

gathering storm. But it was fruitless. She was stung to the quick by

the comments of the newspapers; her spirit was roused, her ambition was

towering, now. She was more determined than ever. She would show these

people what a hunted and persecuted woman could do.

The eventful night came. Laura arrived before the great lecture hall in

a close carriage within five minutes of the time set for the lecture to

begin. When she stepped out of the vehicle her heart beat fast and her

eyes flashed with exultation: the whole street was packed with people,

and she could hardly force her way to the hall! She reached the

ante-room, threw off her wraps and placed herself before the

dressing-glass. She turned herself this way and that--everything was

satisfactory, her attire was perfect. She smoothed her hair, rearranged

a jewel here and there, and all the while her heart sang within her, and

her face was radiant. She had not been so happy for ages and ages, it

seemed to her. Oh, no, she had never been so overwhelmingly grateful and

648

The Gilded Age