[Illustration: _Dress Maker_]
who was trying on the large straw hat with such a profusion of feathers
and flowers."
"Hush! my lovely girl," said her mamma, "if you are not more silent
I must take you home."
"It is just the thing, Mrs. Tasteful," screamed out the old lady. "It
will suit my figure exactly. Square bosom, and off the shoulders,
why with a lace frill I shall look delightful. A saucy fellow had
the impudence to tell me, as I was getting out of my carriage, that
I had better wear my petticoat a little longer to hide my legs, and
put a shawl on to conceal my neck. The fool had no more taste than
a Hottentot. Well, my dear woman, you will let me have this dress
immediately. I am going out to a ball this evening, and shall want to
put it on. Primrose coloured crape over white sarsenet. Charming, I
declare!"
"Come on, my dears," said Mr. Durnford, hastily, "I have no inclination
to listen any longer to such disgusting vanity and folly. The age of
that lady ought to have enabled her to set good examples to the younger
and inexperienced part of her sex, instead of which she is only a
disgrace to it. Come on, my dears, I will not stay a moment longer,
lest another burst of weakness should offend my ear. You all know what
is the province of a dress maker, therefore it requires no
explanation."
"I am in want of some hair-brushes," said Mrs. Durnford, "therefore if
you please we must stop a few minutes at the