o the hands of the assistant.

Lady Betty was far too much engrossed with her own appearance to take
much heed of Griselda's; and it was not till something like a discussion
was heard between the young lady and the "artist" that she said sharply:

"What are you talking about, Griselda? Pray, make no fuss!--you will
look well enough. A little less curl on the right side, Perkyns. Oh!
that bow is awry; and I will _not_ have the knot of ribbon so low. I
said so last week."

"The top-knots are not worn so high, my lady. Lady Cremorne's is quite
two inches lower than the point you indicate."

"Folly to talk of _her_!--a giant who might be a female Goliath! As if
_her_ mode was any rule for mine! I am _petite_, and need height. Thank
goodness, I am not a huge mass of bone and flesh, like my Lady
Cremorne!"

"As you please, my lady--as you please. But it is my duty to keep my
patronesses up to the high-water mark of fashion."

"I dare say folks with no taste may need your advice; but as I am
blessed with the power of knowing what I like--and with the will to
have it, too--I insist on the top-knot being at least two inches
higher."

"Very good--very good, my lady. What is it, Samuel?"--for the assistant
now approached.

"Shall I proceed to Sydney Place, sir? I have finished this young lady's
coiffure."

"Finished!--impossible! Why, child, come here; let me see! Why, you are
not made up!--no rouge, nor a touch to your eyebrows!"

"I do not desire it, madam; I do not desire to be painted. I have
requested the hairdresser to refrain----"

"Well, you will look a fright for your pains by night! Nonsense, child!
powder must have paint. However, take your own way, you wilful puss! I
have no more to say."

"I have done my best to persuade the lady," Sam said; "but it is
useless--it is in vain;" and, with a sigh, he began to gather together
the cosmetics and the little pots and bottles, and prepared for
departure.

Mr. Perkyns turned from the contemplation of the top-knots to give a
passing glance at Mistress Mainwaring. He shrugged his shoulders, and
murmured:

"A pity that what is so fair should not be made still fairer! But do not
stand wasting precious time, Samuel; proceed to Sydney Place, and
announce my speedy arrival. You can leave me what is needful, and I will
follow and bring the smaller bag. Be quick, Samuel; and do not go to
sleep--on a day like this, of all days!"

Samuel obeyed, and took leave; while