`` 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 gown she wore on the happiest night of her life . I had never seen her look more beautiful -- her neck and arms were bare , and she wore this string of pearls and carried a bouquet of her favourite white roses . `` When we reached home after the dance , Eliza had her happy secret to tell us . She was engaged to Willis Starr , and they were to be married in early spring . `` Willis Starr certainly seemed to be an ideal lover , and Eliza was so perfectly happy that she seemed to grow more beautiful and radiant every day . `` Well , Amy , the wedding day was set . Eliza was to be married from the Grange , as her own mother was dead , and I was to be bridesmaid .
We made her wedding dress together , she and I. Girls were not above making their own gowns then , and not a stitch was set in Eliza 's save those put there XXXXX loving fingers and blessed by loving wishes .
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