"I wasn't thinking about that. I dare say it would look very nice, but I can't take it, Cecile," said the girl firmly. "I am glad you have not cut it up, for it will not be spoiled. I am much obliged to Lady Sarah, and you may tell her so, but I prefer to use my own things. If the old ribbon is too shabby, I can do without altogether; but it's no use putting that on, for I won't wear it." Cecile stared in amazement, but there was no mistaking the girl's sincerity. Her eyes were bright with anger, she held her head at a defiant angle, and her lips were pressed into a thin scarlet line. Mildred was disgusted to hear that Lady Sarah had any share whatever in Cecile's services. She wished with all her heart that she had not accepted the Frenchwoman's offer. Now if the dress looked at all respectable on the day of the picnic, Lady Sarah would take the credit to herself, because she had allowed her maid to make alterations; and how dare she send contributions of her own, and give instructions as to what was to be done with them, without asking permission! Cecile was quite awed by the young lady's air of indignation, and carried away the white ribbon without a word of protest. She evidently informed her mistress of what had occurred, for after dinner the same evening Lady Sarah detained Mildred on her way to the garden, to question her on the subject. "So, Miss Mildred, my maid tells me that you refused to use the ribbon which I gave her for your dress. Is that true, may I ask?" "Yes, quite true. I told Cecile to tell you that I was very much obliged for the offer, but that I preferred to wear my own things." "You are very independent. Was the ribbon not to your fancy? Have you one of your own which you prefer?" "Oh, no, it was beautiful; it could not have been nicer!" "Your own is not so good?" "Not nearly so good, Lady Sarah!" Cecile might well have said that Mildred had the good, straight back, if she had seen her at this moment. Her cheeks were flushed, but her mouth had the stubborn look which her friends knew so well. "You refuse, then, simply because you object to receiving anything from me?" "I am much obliged to you, Lady Sarah, but I prefer to wear my own things." "Oh, well, well!" sighed the other wearily; "I won't argue with you, my dear. Do as you please. I meant to do you a kindness, but, if you choose to take it in this way, there is no use saying anything about it. Don't let me keep you. Run away to your friends."