voice.

'Oh yes; I shall be there, of course.'

'We must have one set together; you will promise me that?' and Cyril's
dark eyes looked full into hers.

'Yes, certainly.' But Audrey blushed a little. She felt a sudden desire
to hurry after the others; but her companion evidently held a different
opinion.

'Do you know Mrs. Charrington has asked my mother to come too?'

'No, indeed; but I am so glad to hear it.'

'She was most kind about it: she has promised to call on her to-morrow.
My mother is so pleased. Does she not look happy, Miss Ross? She is so
fond of this sort of thing--a dull life never suits her. She nearly
moped herself to death at Headingly; we were all uncomfortable there.'

'I think she will get on with the Rutherford people.'

'Indeed I hope so. Miss Ross, do you know, I am so vexed about something
my mother said the other afternoon, when Mrs. Ross and Mrs. Harcourt
were calling on her.' And as Audrey looked mystified, he went on slowly:
'She actually told them that she would accept no evening engagements,
and that she hoped no one would invite her to dinner.'

'Oh yes, I remember.'

'I am afraid they must have thought it very strange. I tell my mother
that she is far too frank and outspoken for our civilised age, and that
there is not the slightest need to flaunt our poverty in our neighbours'
faces.'

Cyril spoke with an air of unmistakable annoyance, and Audrey
good-naturedly hastened to soothe him. Her fine instinct told her that
his stronger and more reticent nature must often be wounded by his
mother's indiscreet tongue.

'I am afraid you are a little worldly-minded, Mr. Blake. I consider your
mother was far more honest.'

'Thank you,' in a low tone; 'but all the same,' returning to his usual
manner, 'it was premature and absurd to make such a statement. My mother
has to do as I like,' throwing back his handsome head with a sort of
wilfulness that Audrey thought very becoming, 'and I intend her to go
out. Miss Ross, I am going to ask you a very odd question, but there is
no other lady to whom I can put such an inquiry. Does it cost so very
much--I mean, how much does it cost--for a lady to be properly dressed
for the evening?'

Audrey did not dare to laugh, Cyril was so evidently in earnest; her
nice tact guarded her from making such a grievous mistake.

'Your question is a little vague, Mr. Blake; I hardly know what I am to
understand by it. Do you mean evening dress for one di