1 8 THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 
civilization. I am going to call on my class¬ 
mate, Milton Dean, at Willow Brook; and if 
there is on earth a family whose beautiful so¬ 
cial life will bring back suggestions of the un¬ 
blighted Eden, that bright spot is the home 
of Doctor Dean.” 
“ Ah yes. Lew,” replied Davidson. “ I’ve 
heard that there is some attraction in that direc¬ 
tion for you. But beware; remember that it was 
in Eden where Mother Eve led man into his 
first trouble, and it is not to be supposed that 
one of her daughters, a little on the outside of 
the sacred enclosure, will be wiser or stronger 
than she was within.” 
“A truce to your banter, Charley,” was the 
reply. “ Come with me, and you will find not 
only a true woman in Ella Dean, but a charm 
surrounding the whole family, that may draw 
you in that direction more than once, especially 
as there is another ‘ wingless angel ’ there who 
is bright enough to ensnare almost any poor 
mortal. But seriously, Charley, an evening 
with the Deans is most delightful. It is a 
scene of refinement and content, where conver¬ 
sation does not degenerate into insipidity or 
scandal, or tediousness compel a resort to friv- 
