wonderful trunks seemed to contain
garments suitable for every possible occasion which could arise; for
every fluctuation of weather, for every degree of festivity. From one
of the number out came a long driving coat, snowy white, light of
texture, an ideal garment for a warm yet dusty summer's day, which being
fastened down the side by huge pearl buttons, displayed a degree of
smartness nothing short of uncanny in an untrimmed garment. To wear
with the coat there was a jaunty cap, and a pair of driving gloves with
wide, gauntleted cuffs. Cornelia made faces at herself in the glass as
her custom was the while she arranged the "set" of her hat, puffed out
her shaded locks, and affably cross-questioned her attendant on her
private affairs.

"Mury, how's your friend?"

"He isn't so well as he was, miss, thank you all the same. He's been a
bit upset in his indigestion."

"Think of that now! Isn't that sad! You buy him a bottle of physic and
send it along. I'll pay! It's not a mite of use having a friend with
indigestion. He'll be just as doleful, and you want him to give you a
real good time. ... How's your mother getting along?"

"Nicely, thank you, miss. She said she didn't know how to thank you
enough for the shawl. Her poor old bones haven't ached half so much
since she's had it to hap round her of a night."

"Isn't that sweet! Hustle up now with my high shoes, and don't mind
buttoning in bits of flesh as you did last time. I'd just as lief be
left out. See here, Mury, I want everything put back in its place after
I'm gone! I hate to find a muss when I get back, and that blue muslin
has got to be pressed out for to-night, and those bits of lace washed,
and the parcels changed at the shop. Mind, it's got to be all done by
the time I am back. And see here, next time you go out to meet your
friend, there's that taffetas waist you can have for yourself! You'll
look dandy in it, and he'll be so proud. Maybe it will help the
indigestion better than physic."

Mary was incoherent with delight, and promised ardently to execute all
the young lady's orders, knowing full well that it was the silver
afternoon, and that her time should of rights be fully occupied with
household duties. She promised, and she intended to perform. By dint
of smiles, pleasant words, kindly interests in "friends," and ceaseless
doles of finery and physic, Cornelia had established such a hold upon
the affections of the staff,