d in the eager task of superintendence, and turned to the
under-housemaid, who stood by, gazing open-mouthed at the splendors
emerging from the box.

"Run down and tell Wilson to give him some wine and cake!" she said,
peremptorily. "It's all Fanchette's fault--odious creature!--running it
to the last like this--after all her promises!"

The housemaid went, and soon sped back. For no boy on earth would she
have been long defrauded of the sight of her ladyship's completed gown.

"Did Wilson feed him?" Kitty flung her the question as she bent,
alternately frowning and jubilant, over the creation before her.

"Yes, my lady. It was quite a little fellow. He said his legs were just
run off his feet," said the girl, growing confused as the moon-robe
unfolded.

"Poor wretch!" said Kitty, carelessly. "I'm glad I'm not an
errand--Blanche! you know Fanchette may be an old demon, but she <i>has</i>
got taste! Just look at these folds, and the way she's put on the
pearls! Now then--make haste!"

Off flew the peignoir, and, with the help of the excited maids, Kitty
slipped into her dress. Ten times, over did she declare that it was
hopeless, that it didn't fit in the least, that it wasn't one bit what
she had ordered, that she couldn't and wouldn't go out in it, that it
was simply scandalous, and Fanchette should never be paid a penny. Her
maids understood her, and simply went on pulling, patting, fastening, as
quickly as their skilled fingers could work, till the last fold fell
into its place, and the under-housemaid stepped back with clasped hands
and an "Oh, my lady!" couched in a note of irrepressible ecstasy.

"Well?" said Kitty, still frowning--"eh, Blanche?"

The maid proper would have scorned to show emotion; but she nodded
approval. "If you ask me, my lady, I think you have never looked so well
in anything."

Kitty's brow relaxed at last, as she stood gazing at the reflection in
the large glass before her. She saw herself as Artemis--a la Madame de
Longueville--in a hunting-dress of white silk, descending to the ankles,
embroidered from top to toe in crescents of seed pearls and silver, and
held at the waist by a silver girdle. Her throat was covered with
magnificent pearls, a Tranmore family possession, lent by Lady Tranmore
for the occasion. The slim ankles and feet were cased in white silk,
cross-gartered with silver and shod with silver sandals. Her belt held
her quiver of white-winged arrows; her bow of ivory