'Of course,' I said, because I could think of nothing else to say. 'I gave her a ball,' Lady Bandobust continued; 'that is to say, cards were sent out in my name. That was rather bungled, though--so many friends of mine begged for invitations for friends of theirs that I didn't know half the people. And Miss Boningsbill, of course, knew nobody. Miss Boningsbill was dissatisfied about the cost, too. I was foolish enough to forget to tell her beforehand. Everything came from my own particular tradespeople, and, naturally, nothing was cheap. I never niggle,' said Lady Bandobust, turning her two little indifferent black eyes full upon me. 'Miss Boningsbill insisted on having her name on the cards as well,' she said: '"Lady Bandobust and Miss Boningsbill," you understand. That I should not advise--very bad form, I call it.' 'She was married in October,' Lady Bandobust continued, casually. The second son of Sir Banbury Slatte--the eldest had gone abroad for his health. I knew the Banbury Slattes extremely well--excellent family.' 'Miss Boningsbill,' Lady Bandobust went on, absently, 'had nothing like your figure.' 'Was she an American?' I asked. 'No--Manchester,' answered Lady Bandobust, laconically. 'Cotton-spinners.' 'My dressmaker tells me she finds a marked difference between English and American figures.' I remarked; 'but I am afraid it is not to our advantage. We are not nearly so fine as you are.' 'Ah!' said Lady Bandobust. 'Who is your dressmaker?' she asked with interest. 'I spoke of the firm whose place of business, though not mentioned in any guide-book, I had found to repay many visits. 'Oh, those people!' said Lady Bandobust. 'Dear, I call them. Smart enough for evening frocks, but certainly not to be depended upon for anything else. I should strongly advise you to try Miss Pafty, in Regent Street, and say I sent you. And for millinery, do let me recommend Madame Marie. I would give you a note to her. An excessively clever woman--personal friend of my own. A husband and two sons to support, so she makes bonnets. I believe the Princess goes to her regularly. And you pay very little more than you do anywhere else. And now, with regard to our little scheme, what do you think, Miss Wick?' 'Really, Lady Bandobust,' said I, 'I am afraid I must think about it.' A decided negative was an utter impossibility at the time. 'Ah!' said Lady Bandobust, I perhaps you think my terms a little high--just a trifle more than you expected, perhaps. Well, suppose we say two hundred and fifty?' 'I had no expectations whatever about it, Lady Bandobust,' I said; 'I knew nothing of it up to about an hour ago.' 'Two hundred,' said Lady Bandobust. 'I am afraid I have no idea of the value of--of such things, Lady Bandobust,' I faltered. 'I can bring it as low as one hundred and fifty,' she returned, 'but it would not be quite the same, Miss Wick--you could not expect that.'