(_A Dialogue Pastoral and Sartorial._)
SCENE--_A Boudoir._ PRESENT--_A Lady and her Modiste._
TIME--_The passing hour._
_Modiste._ No, Madame, it is utterly impossible for you to wear silks
and satins. They have quite gone out.
_Lady._ But hasn't alpaca come in a little?
_Modiste._ Scarcely. It may be used for divided skirts at Battersea
Park, but it is not really recognised.
_Lady._ Then what am I to wear?
_Modiste._ Flowers, Madame, flowers. Of course they should be fixed on
foundations, but they are the only materials used at the present time.
_Lady._ Are they not rather expensive?
_Modiste._ Well, no. I shall not charge more for them than velvet or
brocade. And, of course, if you choose to wear your dresses more than
once, your maid can get them renovated with new flowers at an almost
fabulous reduction.
_Lady._ I do not think a gown ever looks well when worn a second time.
_Modiste._ Quite so, Madame; quite so. Well, would you like a charming
dress of pink hyacinths, with bishop's sleeves of Gloire de Dijon
roses? The skirt would be of variegated lilac.
_Lady._ But could you get the material for the floral combination?
_Modiste._ Oh dear yes, Madame! Since the fashion for real flowers has
come in we are supplied daily from all parts of the world, and have a
large stock always at hand on the premises. Why, our greenhouses are
the finest in London. Will you want any other costume to-day?
_Lady._ Only one for a small dance to-morrow. I want something cool
and quiet.
_Modiste._ You can scarcely do better than wear a costume _d'Eden_,
or as it is facetiously termed in England, "a dress for EVE." It is an
arrangement in oak leaves and apples _à la mode de la première femme
du monde_.
_Lady._ Very well. Let me have it home by eleven.
_Modiste._ You can depend upon my punctuality, Madame. If you are
careful not to dance too much it will last until 2 A.M., and permit of
your partaking of supper. I would not say this with confidence of
all the gowns I turn out, but in this instance you will find leaves
stronger than flowers. And now, Madame, permit me to take your
measure.
[_Scene closes in upon mysteries of the toilet._
* * * * *