zled eyes of the
beholders, each one attired in a different costume. Blue, green, white,
lavender, and yellow--perfect of cut, distracting of make--it was,
indeed, a problem to choose between them! And while they hesitated, lo!
another disappearance, and another triumphal entrance even more gorgeous
than the first.

"If I thought I should look as nice as they do, I'd have four at least,
but I shan't; my waist is twice as big, and I never learnt to glide,"
sighed Mollie humbly. "How much is the blue, please? I think that
would suit me best."

The price of that simple--looking frock gave Ruth an electric shock. It
was actually more than the whole of her yearly allowance. She looked it
over, making a rapid estimate of the cost of material and trimming, and
felt convinced she could have bought them all out of a five-pound note.
And then it could be made at home. Ah, no, that was just the
difficulty! The material was a detail, in the making-up thereof lay all
the charm and effect. She came out of her calculations to hear Mollie
say calmly--

"And I shall want them both home by the end of a week! Now my sister
will choose, and after that we will see some evening gowns."

Ruth took her courage in both hands, ordered one dress, and took
advantage of the first moment of solitude to rebuke Mollie in irritable
undertones.

"Do think what you are about! I'm the eldest, and it's most unsuitable
for you to be better dressed. You ought to let me decide, and follow my
example."

"But I promised Uncle Bernard that that was just what I would not do."

"Even if you did, he never intended you to order a whole trousseau. How
will he feel when he sees the bills?"

"I don't know; I think he will feel nice when he sees my clothes. Oh,
Ruth, do enjoy yourself when you have the chance! He gave you carte
blanche--why on earth can't you take it?"

But that was just exactly what Ruth could not do. The fear of the
bill--the fear of Uncle Bernard's displeasure, loomed so largely before
her eyes, that she dared not indulge her longing for needless fineries.
In every shop the same story was repeated, Mollie giving a lavish order
with beams of satisfaction, Ruth reducing hers by half, and feeling sore
and aggrieved. Each appealed in turn to Mrs Thornton for support and
approval, until that good lady became quite dazed and bewildered, and
was thankful to find herself once more in her quiet home.

Arrived at the Court, Mollie