pleases,' sighed Honor; 'there's no help for it,
you see, Phoebe. Shall you dislike looking on?' For she doubted whether
Phoebe had been provided with means for her equipment, and might not
require delay and correspondence but the frank answer was, 'Thank you, I
shall be glad of the opportunity. Papa told me I might fit myself out in
case of need.'

'And suppose we are too late for the Exhibition.'

'I never bought a dress before,' quoth Phoebe.

Owen laughed. 'That's right, Phoebe! Be strong-minded and original
enough to own that some decorations surpass "Raffaelles, Correggios, and
stuff"--'

'No,' said Phoebe, simply, and with no affectation of scorn, 'they only
interest me more at this moment.'

Honor smiled to Owen her love for the honesty that never spoke for
effect, nor took what it believed it ought to feel, for what it really
felt. Withal, Owen gained his purpose, and conducted the two ladies into
one of the great shops of ladies apparel.

Phoebe followed Miss Charlecote with eyes of lively anticipation. Miss
Fennimore had taught her to be _real_ when she could not be
philosophical, and scruples as to the 'vain pomp and glory of the world'
had not presented themselves; she only found herself admitted to
privileges hitherto so jealously withheld as to endow them with a
factitious value, and in a scene of real beauty. The textures, patterns,
and tints were, as Owen observed, such as approved themselves to the
aesthetic sense, the miniature embroidery of the brocades was absolute
art, and no contemptible taste was displayed in the apparently fortuitous
yet really elaborate groupings of rich and delicate hues, fine folds, or
ponderous draperies.

'Far from it,' said Honor; 'the only doubt is whether such be a worthy
application of aesthetics. Were they not given us for better uses?'

'To diffuse the widest amount of happiness?'

'That is one purpose.'

'And a fair woman well dressed is the sight most delightful to the
greatest number of beholders.'

Honor made a playful face of utter repudiation of the maxim, but meeting
him on his own ground emphasized 'FAIR and WELL dressed--that is,
appropriately.'

'That is what brings me here, said Owen, turning round, as the changeful
silks, already asked for, were laid on the counter before them.

It was an amusing shopping. The gentleman's object was to direct the
taste of both ladies, but his success was not the same. Honora's first
affections