_In which the author condescends to be very minute in the description
of our heroine's dress._
The indifference of Mr. Tinsel convincing Miss Glanville that Arabella
was less to be dreaded than she imagined, she had no reluctance at
seeing her prepare for her public appearance the next ball-night.
Having consulted her fancy in a rich silver stuff she had bought for
that purpose, a person was sent for to make it; and Arabella, who
followed no fashion but her own taste, which was formed on the manners
of the heroines, ordered the woman to make her a robe after the same
model as the princess Julia's.
The mantua-maker, who thought it might do her great prejudice with her
new customer, to acknowledge she knew nothing of the princess Julia, or
the fashion of her gown, replied at random, and with great pertness--
That, that taste was quite out; and, she would advise her ladyship to
have her clothes made in the present mode, which was far more becoming.
You can never persuade me, said Arabella, that any fashion can be more
becoming than that of the princess Julia's, who was the most gallant
princess upon earth, and knew better than any other, how to set off
her charms. It may indeed be a little obsolete now, pursued she, for
the fashion could not but alter a little in the compass of near two
thousand years.
Two thousand years, madam! said the woman, in a great surprise: Lord
help us trades-people, if they did not alter a thousand times in as
many days! I thought your ladyship was speaking of the last month's
taste; which, as I said before, is quite out now.
Well, replied Arabella, let the present mode be what it will, I insist
upon having my clothes made after the pattern of the beautiful daughter
of Augustus; being convinced that none other can be half so becoming.
What fashion was that, pray, madam? said the woman; I never saw it.
How! replied Arabella, have you already forgot the fashion of the
princess Julia's robe, which you said was worn but last month? Or, are
you ignorant that the princess Julia, and the daughter of Augustus, is
the same person?
I protest, madam, said the woman, extremely confused, I had forgot that
till you called it to my mind.
Well, said Arabella, make me a robe in the same taste.
The mantua-maker was now wholly at a loss in what manner to behave;
for, being conscious that she knew nothing of the princess Julia's
fashion, she could not undertake to make it without directions; and
she was afraid of discovering her ignorance by asking for any; so that
her silence and embarrassment persuading Arabella she knew nothing of
the matter, she dismissed her with a small present for the trouble she
had given her, and had recourse to her usual expedient, which was to
make one of her women, who understood a little of the mantua-making
business, make a robe for her after her own directions.
Miss Glanville, who imagined she had sent for work-women in order to
have clothes made in the modern taste, was surprised, at her entrance
into her chamber, to see her dressing for the ball in a habit singular
to the last degree.
She wore no hoop, and the blue and silver stuff of her robe, was only
kept by its own richness from hanging close about her. It was quite
open round her breast, which was shaded with a rich border of lace; and
clasping close to her waist by small knots of diamonds, descended in a
sweeping train on the ground.
The sleeves were short, wide, and slashed, fastened in different places
with diamonds, and her arms were partly hid by half a dozen falls of
ruffles. Her hair, which fell in very easy ringlets on her neck, was
placed with great care and exactness round her lovely face; and the
jewels and ribbons, which were all her head-dress, disposed to the
greatest advantage.
Upon the whole, nothing could be more singularly becoming than her
dress; or set off with greater advantage the striking beauties of her
person.
Miss Glanville, though she was not displeased to see her persist in her
singularity of dress, yet could not behold her look so lovely in it,
without feeling a secret uneasiness; but consoling herself with the
hopes of the ridicule she would occasion, she assumed a cheerful air,
approved her taste in the choice of her colours, and went with her at
the usual hour to the rooms, attended by Mr. Glanville, Mr. Selvin, and
the young beau we have formerly mentioned.
The surprise Arabella's unusual appearance gave to the whole company,
was very visible to every one but herself.
The moment she entered the room, every one whispered the person next
to them; and for some moments nothing was heard but the words, the
princess Julia; which was echoed at every corner, and at last attracted
her observation.
Mr. Glanville, and the rest of the company with her, were in some
confusion at the universal exclamation, which they imagined was
occasioned by the singularity of her habit; though they could not
conceive why they gave her that title. Had they known the adventure of
the mantua-maker, it would doubtless have easily occurred to them; for
the woman had no sooner left Arabella, than she related the conference
she had with a lady newly arrived, who had required her to make a robe
in the manner of the princess Julia's, and dismissed her, because she
did not understand the fashions that prevailed two thousand years ago.
This story was quickly dispersed, and, for its novelty, afforded a
great deal of diversion; every one longed to see a fashion of such
antiquity; and expected the appearance of the princess Julia with great
impatience.
It is not to be doubted but much mirth was treasured up for her
appearance; and the occasional humourist had already prepared his
accustomed jest, when the sight of the devoted fair-one repelled his
vivacity, and the designed ridicule of the whole assembly.
Scarce had the tumultuous whisper escaped the lips of each individual,
when they found themselves awed to respect by that irresistible charm
in the person of Arabella, which commanded reverence and love from all
who beheld her.
Her noble air, the native dignity in her looks, the inexpressible grace
which accompanied all her motions, and the consummate loveliness of her
form, drew the admiration of the whole assembly.
A respectful silence succeeded; and the astonishment her beauty
occasioned left them no room to descant on the absurdity of her dress.
Miss Glanville, who felt a malicious joy at the sneers she expected
would be cast on her cousin, was greatly disappointed at the deference
which seemed to be paid her; and to vent some part of her spleen,
took occasion to mention her surprise at the behaviour of the company
on their entrance; wondering what they could mean by whispering, The
princess Julia, to one another.
I assure you, said Arabella, smiling, I am not less surprised than you
at it; and since they directed their looks to me at the same time, I
fancy they either took me for some princess of the name of Julia, who
is expected here to-night, or else flatter me with some resemblance to
the beautiful daughter of Augustus.
The comparison, madam, said Mr. Selvin, who took all occasions to show
his reading, is too injurious to you; for I am of opinion you as much
excel that licentious lady in the beauties of your person, as you do in
the qualities of your mind.
I never heard licentiousness imputed to the daughter of Augustus Cæsar,
said Arabella; and the most her enemies can say of her, is, that she
loved admiration, and would permit herself to be beloved, and to be
told so, without showing any signs of displeasure.
Bless me, madam! interrupted Mr. Selvin, how strangely do you mistake
the character of Julia! Though the daughter of an emperor, she was
(pardon the expression) the most abandoned prostitute in Rome. Many of
her intrigues are recorded in history; but, to mention only one, was
not her infamous commerce with Ovid, the cause of his banishment?