lined vague,
feminine figures. The voice which had asked the question was slow and
languid, and breathed a wearied indifference to the world in general,
which was more than equalled in the tone of the reply--

"Really, don't you know, I can't say! I put them away, meaning to use
them for cloaks or evening-dresses; but I forget, or they get mislaid,
or the maid confiscates them for her own purposes. I expect, as a
matter of fact, she makes them up into Sunday blouses."

"You spoil that woman, dear! You are so absurdly easy-going that she
robs you right and left. Do take my advice, and give her notice at
once!"

"I couldn't, darling, even to please you! It bores me so to deal with
strangers, and no one else could do my hair like Elsie. If it pleases
her to use up a few of my garments, why shouldn't the poor soul have her
pleasure like the rest? That reminds me, Lucille--are you going to the
duchess's ball to-night? I suppose it is superfluous to ask, since no
entertainment is complete without you nowadays."

"Oh, I suppose so! If I am not too fagged, that is to say. But I have
a dinner first, and two At-homes, and people make such a fuss if you
don't put in an appearance. One hardly feels up to dancing after
struggling through two of the asphyxiating mobs dignified by the name of
entertainments; still, I promised Arthur the cotillion, and he will be
desolated if I play him false; and I have a new frock for the occasion
which is really rather a dream. Silver tissue over satin, and shoulder-
straps of diamonds. I had them reset on purpose. I spend quite a
fortune on resetting jewels nowadays; but one must be original, or die!"

"My dear, you will be too bewitching! Lord Arthur will be more
desperate than ever. My poor little self will be nowhere beside you!
I'm going to be sweet and simple in chiffon and pearls. Paquin made the
gown. Don't ask what it cost! I tore up the bill and threw it in the
fire. Really, don't you know, it made me quite depressed! So
perishable, too! I expect I shall be in rags before the evening is
over. But it's quite sweet at present--all frilly-willys from top to
toe. I do love to be fluffy and feminine, and my pearls really are
unique! The princess examined them quite carefully when I met her last
winter, and said she had rarely seen finer specimens. I wouldn't wear
them at all unless they were good. I cannot endure inferior jewels!"

The speaker lolled still more