d decided the prettiest of the new gowns must do honor to the
occasion. "This shade is called ashes of roses," I explained, as I
slipped it over her head.

"Ashes of roses!" she echoed. "How pretty, yes? But a little sad too, is
it not so? Like rosy hopes that have been withered. Ach, what a foolish
talk! So, now you will fasten it please. A real trick it is to button
such a dress--so sly they are, those fastenings."

When all the sly fastenings were secure I stood at gaze.

"Nose is shiny," I announced, searching in a drawer for chamois and
powder.

Frau Nirlanger raised an objecting hand. "But Konrad does not approve of
such things. He has said so. He has--"

"You tell your Konrad that a chamois skin isn't half as objectionable
as a shiny one. Come here and let me dust this over your nose and chin,
while I breathe a prayer of thanks that I have no overzealous husband
near to forbid me the use of a bit of powder. There! If I sez it mesilf
as shouldn't, yez ar-r-re a credit t' me, me darlint."

"You are satisfied. There is not one small thing awry? Ach, how we shall
laugh at Konrad's face."

"Satisfied! I'd kiss you if I weren't afraid that I should muss you
up. You're not the same woman. You look like a girl! And so pretty!
Now skedaddle into your own rooms, but don't you dare to sit down for a
moment. I'm going down to get Frau Knapf before your husband arrives."

"But is there then time?" inquired Frau Nirlanger. "He should be here
now."

"I'll bring her up in a jiffy, just for one peep. She won't know you!
Her face will be a treat! Don't touch your hair--it's quite perfect. And
f'r Jawn's sake! Don't twist around to look at yourself in the back
or something will burst, I know it will. I'll be back in a minute. Now
run!"

The slender, graceful figure disappeared with a gay little laugh, and I
flew downstairs for Frau Knapf. She was discovered with a spoon in one
hand and a spluttering saucepan in the other. I detached her from
them, clasped her big, capable red hands and dragged her up the stairs,
explaining as I went.

"Now don't fuss about that supper! Let 'em wait. You must see her before
Herr Nirlanger comes home. He's due any minute. She looks like a girl.
So young! And actually pretty! And her figure--divine! Funny what a
difference a decent pair of corsets, and a gown, and some puffs will
make, h'm?"

Frau Knapf was panting as I pulled her after me in swift eagerness.
Between puffs she brought