. Though one
might marvel that a human being could live in such wand-like form,
_thin_ was a word which could never occur. Grizel was no more thin than
Katrine herself. Her soft, mouse-brown hair was waved loosely back, and
twisted in a fashion which preserved the shape of the head,--a rare and
wonderful sight at a time when nine women out of ten carried a
cushion-like appendage standing out many inches behind the ear. Grizel
was too wise to disguise herself by any such freak of fashion; an artist
would have noted with delight that she invariably respected the natural
"line" of the body. Neck and arms were bare of ornament, her cheeks
were still pale, but with a warm, cream-like tint which had no trace of
ill-health, her honey-coloured eyes reflected the golden lights of her
dress. The scarlet lips made the one contrasting note of colour.

Katrine stared blankly at the entrance of the apparition, the inevitable
admiration largely tinged with reproach. How ridiculous, and
unsuitable, and altogether Grizelish to choose such a dress for a quiet
home evening! It was probably the first that had come to her hand, and
she had put it on without a thought. When there was a dinner party, and
the most important people in the neighbourhood were assembled to meet
her, she would just as likely as not appear in a simple muslin. Katrine
had lived through such experiences before, and had suffered much
aggravation thereby. She stared with exaggerated surprise, whereupon
Grizel gurgled, quick to appreciate the criticism.

"Yes, ma'am. My _very_ best! Ain't I a pr-etty ittle did?"

"It would be very suitable for a Court ball. What possessed you to put
it on to-night?"

"I felt like it,--in a golden mood! I always dress to suit my moods.
Besides it's quite new, and the dear thing wanted its turn. It is my
Sheba dress, but you aren't nearly so appreciative as Aunt Griselda.
_She_ bowed down before me."

"I'm not going to bow down, but it's a marvellous frock!" Katrine felt
a depressing consciousness of the shabby black net which had done duty
for home wear for several winters in succession, and woman-like
reflected with a pang that the price of that golden sheaf would probably
equal that of her entire summer outfit. How would it feel to own a
fairy purse, and bid Paquin do his best?

For a moment she was rent with envy, then curiosity claimed its day.
She crossed the room, and peered with awe and admiration at the
el