re madame that she cannot
judge of this attire; it is nothing now. In a few days, when it is
completed, then madame will be able to see that we have surpassed
ourselves in that dress."

"You have, indeed!" ejaculated Madame de Fleury, with fervor. "But I
claim it. You must invent something else for Madame la Motte.
Mademoiselle Melanie surely will not refuse me."

"If the decision depended upon _me_, the dress would assuredly become
Madame de Fleury's; although the design has been sent to Madame la
Motte, and has met with her approbation; but Mademoiselle Melanie is so
frightfully conscientious, she would not disappoint a customer, or break
her word, or give a design promised one person to another for a kingdom.
She is quite immovable, obstinately unreasonable on these points."

"But I _must_ have that dress," persisted the marchioness. "I cannot be
happy without it! I will implore Mademoiselle Melanie; she will drive me
to despair should she refuse."

"Mrs. Gilmer saw it a few moments ago, and was so enchanted that she did
her utmost to make me promise that the dress should be hers."

"_Hers_, indeed! That impertinent little _parvenue_!" replied Madame de
Fleury. "I would never forgive Mademoiselle Melanie if she consented to
anything of the kind. I suppose the banker's wife imagines this delicate
green would tone down her milk-maid complexion. But she shall not try
the experiment."

At this moment Mrs. Gilmer herself reentered. The marchioness pretended
not to be aware of her presence, and, turning to the dress in question,
remarked,--

"Yes, this dress _must_ be one of the twelve that I shall order to take
with me to Maryland. Twelve will suffice for one week. I hear Mr.
Meredith's estate could bear comparison with our European country
residences; the toilets of his guests should do honor to their host."
She went on, addressing herself to Gaston. "There are but thirty guests
invited, and I hear that great indignation is felt by _certain persons_
who are not included in the number."

Madame de Fleury's shaft was directed towards Mrs. Gilmer, who was
writhing with vexation, at not forming one of the select party.

Mrs. Gilmer heard, and bit her lips with suppressed rage.

"Twelve dresses!" cried Lord Linden. "Twelve new dresses for seven
days?"

"Quite a moderate supply; but I could not possibly get through the week
with less," answered Madame de Fleury, serenely. "You are invited of
course?"

Lord Lind