gentlemen eagerly sought for an introduction to the acknowledged
belle of the ball-room. Miss Smith was as proud of Cissie's success
as if it had been her own. With all her faults the girl possessed a
good heart, and in doing as she did fancied she was doing the
innocent country girl a kindness in opening to her the highway to
fame and fortune, even though it were reached by the gate of dishonor.

It is needless to give in detail the particulars of Cissie Wilson's
career; suffice it to say, that the brilliant triumph at the
Oddfellows' ball was too much for her weak nature. She plunged
headlong into the vortex of worldly pleasure and excitement, and,
having little time or inclination for reflection, became in time
quite habituated to this peculiar mode of life, always maintaining
outwardly, however, a moral and respected appearance.

All this time, the reader may well ask, what had become of Lillie,
the younger sister? She had been remarkably successful in her
country home, having at her feet the hands and hearts of all the
most eligible young men for miles round. This at one time would have
gratified her utmost ambition; but her sister's letters from Montreal
made her dreadfully anxious to join her in her whirl of exciting
pleasures, and, with the understanding that her sister would obtain
her employment in Montreal, Lillie, at the age of eighteen, came to
the city.

She was not long in her new home till her sister unbosomed to her
many things of which she had previously been in ignorance, and
promised to introduce her to the _creme de la creme_ of her worldly
companions, urging her to endeavor to acquire these graces and
accomplishments which she had failed to learn in her country home.