"Oh dear, dear!" exclaimed Tottie. She rushed to the bed and stood silent, the colour mounting high into her cheeks. "That accounts for it," she said, when she could find her astonished breath. "That accounts for the mysterious box, and for papa's manner. Does papa take you to the dressmaker, Miss Lindley? How very, very odd that he should superintend your toilet!" Tottie looked at me with intense curiosity as she spoke. I knew that my cheeks were burning, and that a burst of angry words was crowding to my lips. With a violent effort I restrained them. "Your father is very civil," I said, after a pause. "He has evidently fetched this box home. I am much obliged to him for his trouble. Now perhaps, Miss Gray, you will let me get ready for dinner?" Tottie blushed and stepped away from the bed as if my manner half frightened her. "Of course," she said. "I forgot how time was flying. But can I do nothing to help you? Shall I send Dawson, our maid, to you presently to help you to put on one of your pretty dresses?" "No, thank you," I replied. "I always prefer to dress myself." With some difficulty I saw Tottie out of the room. Then I locked the door, and with a violent effort kept my hands from tearing those pretty and dainty robes. My heart was full of the most ungovernable anger. I felt that kind-hearted Mr Gray had offered me an insult. I must be sacrificed, and Mr Gray must deck me for the altar. No, no, not quite that; not this lowest depth of all. How thankful I was that I had my mother's wedding-dress in my trunk. I dressed myself slowly and with care. I was determined to look well. I was determined to show Mr Gray that Rosamund Lindley was not altogether dependent on him for her chance of looking nice--for looking what she was, on her mother's side at least, a lady of old family and proud descent. Remembering Hetty's advice, I piled my dark hair high on my head; then I put on the dainty silk stockings and shoes with their funny pointed toes; the rich embroidered petticoat came next; over all, the dress. The skirt was very full, but the silk was so soft and rich that it fell gracefully. It showed a peep of my shoes, with their seed pearl ornaments, as I walked. Behind, it was cut away in a pointed train. My mother's wedding-dress fitted me to perfection. The old ruffles of lovely lace lay softly against my young throat. More ruffles of lace half concealed half showed my arms. I did not need bracelets, and I clasped no ornament of any kind round my neck.