examine it. The wonder consisted as much in the endless
variety of the patterns, as in the exquisite fineness and richness of
the material. The counter was soon strewn with the airy treasures, one
piece after another, unrolled with rapidity, appeared to make a lively
impression on the young girl, who at last, with a sigh, apologized to
the polite person patiently waiting the end of an examination which
his practiced eye had, doubtless, perceived was only one of vain
curiosity.

"It is too dear," said Caroline, "I cannot afford it. Pray let me see
some narrow edging."

"That lace is very pretty," remarked a lady of a commanding figure,
evidently a person of rank.

"Very pretty, my lady," replied the clerk who had waited on Caroline.

"What is it?"

"Twelve and a half, my lady."

"It is really pretty--give me twenty yards."

"Very good, my lady."

The article was measured and cut almost as soon as ordered, and the
remnant rewound into a small parcel and thrown upon the counter.

At the same moment, and as a boy handed Caroline the edging, wrapped
in paper, for which she had already paid, and which she took
mechanically, she heard one of the bystanders whisper to another: "The
Countess D----!" (one of the most celebrated women of England.)

"Ma'ma," said Caroline, "did you observe that lady?"

And they left the shop.

"Bless me!" said Mrs. Clifford, looking at her watch, "do you know how
late it is? Half past two. We promised to be at Mrs. Porter's at this
very time. She said, you remember, she was going out at four; and it
will take us, I'm afraid, nearly an hour to get there."

"Then let us make haste, ma'ma!"

And with a very rapid pace they hurried back toward Regent Street and
Portland Place. They had gone on in this way, perhaps, twenty minutes,
when a white-headed, respectable-looking old gentleman was thrust
aside by a rude fellow pushing by, so that he ran against Caroline,
and caused her to drop her pocket-handkerchief. He stopped, with
evident marks of mortification, and picked it up, with a polite
apology. Caroline assured him she was not hurt.

"But, my dear young lady," said the benevolent-looking old gentleman,
"let me return your parcel."

"Oh, that is not mine," replied Caroline.

"I beg your pardon, it fell with your handkerchief."

"Gracious Heaven!" exclaimed Caroline, "what have I done! I have
brought away a piece of that lace! Ma'ma, let us go back directly."

Although the in