itude and retirement almost, they have both
obtained excellent establishments. I do really declare that I believe
it is all owing to you, and the delightful manner in which you have
dressed them."

"I should rather think that it is owing, in the first place, to their
having so much improved in personal appearance since they have been down
in the country," replied I; "and further, to the gentlemen having now an
opportunity of discovering their truly estimable qualities, which they
were not likely to do at Almack's or other parties during a London
season."

"You may think so," replied Lady M--, "but it is my conviction that all
is owing to their being so tastefully-dressed. Why every one admires
the elegance of their costume, and requests patterns. Well, now I have
only Amy on my hands, and I think that her sister's high connections
will assist in getting her off."

"She is a sweet girl, Amy," replied I, "and were I you Lady M--, I
should be in no hurry to part with her."

"Indeed, but I am," replied Lady M--, "you don't know the expense of
girls, and my jointure is not so very large; however, I must not
complain. Don't you think Amy looks better in lilac than any other
colour?"

"She looks well in almost any colour," replied I.

"Yes, with your taste, I grant," replied Lady M--. "Are you aware that
we go to town in a fortnight? We must look after the _trousseaux_. It
was arranged last night that both marriages shall take place in
February. Amy will, of course be one of the brides'-maids, and I trust
to you, my dear Mademoiselle de Chatenoeuf, to invent something very
_distingue_ for her on that occasion. Who knows but that it may get her
off? but it's late, so good-night."

I could not admire Lady M--'s apparent hurry to get rid of her
daughters, but it certainly was the one thing needful which had occupied
all her thoughts and attention during the time that I had been with her.
That it was natural she should wish that her children were well
established, I granted, but all that she appeared to consider was good
connection, and the means of living in good style, every other point as
to the character of the husbands being totally overlooked.

A fortnight after Christmas we all went to London, and were, as Lady M--
had observed, very busy with the _trousseaux_, when one day the butler
came to say that a young gentleman wished to see me, and was waiting in
the breakfast parlour below. I went down, wonderi