midnight
We descended to the drawing-room , where Judge Conway and Mr. Hope awaited us . Fifteen minutes afterward light steps were heard upon the great staircase ; the old statesman opened the door , and Miss Georgia Conway entered the apartment , leaning upon the arm of her father . She was clad in simple white muslin , with a string of pearls in her dark hair ; and I have never seen a more exquisite beauty . Her cheeks glowed with fresh roses ; a charming smile just parted her lips ; and her dark eyes , grand and calm , shone out from the snow-white forehead , from which her black hair was carried back in midnight ripples , ending in profuse curls . It was truly a _ grande dame _ whom I gazed at on this night , and , with eyes riveted upon the lovely face , I very nearly lost sight of Miss Virginia , who followed her sister . I hastened to offer my arm to the modest little flower , and followed Judge Conway , who approached the parson , standing , prayer-book in hand , in the middle of the apartment . In another instant Mohun was standing beside Miss Georgia , and the ceremony began .