midnight sun
She wore a fleecy fabric , topaz-coloured , with black lace trimmings ; yellow roses gemmed her hair , and topaz and ruby ornaments clasped her throat and arms . An Eastern queen she looked , exacting universal homage , and full of fiery jealousy whenever her eyes fell upon one who stood just opposite . Irene 's dress was an airy blue _ tulle _ , flounced to the waist , and without trimming , save the violet and clematis clusters . Never had her rare beauty been more resplendent -- more dazzlingly chilly ; it seemed the glitter of an arctic ice-berg lit by some low midnight sun , and turn whither she would fascinated groups followed her steps . Salome 's reputation as a brilliant _ belle _ had become extended since Irene 's long seclusion , yet to-night , on the reappearance of the latter , it was apparent to even the most obtuse that she had resumed her sway -- the matchless cynosure of that social system . Fully conscious of the intense admiration she excited , she moved slowly from room to room , smiling once or twice when she met her father 's proud look of fond triumph fixed upon her . Leaning against the window to rest , while Charles Harris went in search of a glass of water , she heard Aubrey 's name pronounced by some one on the gallery .