"When you have taken dancing-lessons for a month, so that your deportment is a little improved, I wish you to be present at my first assembly for this year. Do not be alarmed--I require nothing more of you than to dress well and sit still. I shall present you to my particular friends, saying that you do not yet speak French, and none of them will then address you but such as are acquainted with English. You must remain in a corner of the room, where your awkward manners will attract no notice; and I shall put you in Philip's charge, and desire him to tell you who each person is, and so on. You will then have the opportunity of seeing really fine breeding and distinguished manners, and can help in the formation of your own accordingly, as you will then understand what I require of you." "Yes, Madam," said Celia again. "I have ordered stuffs for you, and they are now in the house. My assembly will be on Thursday week. There is quite time enough to make you one dress; and you will not appear again until you are formed--at least, that is my present intention. Thérèse will take your measure this evening, and cut out the dress, which Patient can then make. I wish you to have a white satin petticoat and a yellow silk bodice and train, guarded with lace; and I will lend you jewels." "Thank you, Madam," answered Celia, giving herself up to all her step-mother's requirements. "When you feel tired--I dare say you are not accustomed yet to late hours--you may slip out of the room and retire to you own apartments. Nobody will miss you." "No, Madam," meekly responded Celia again, to this not very flattering remark. "I think that is all I need say," pursued Lady Ingram, meditatively. "I do not wish to encumber and confuse your mind with too many details, or you will certainly not behave well. I will instruct Patient how you must be dressed, and I will look at you myself before you descend to the drawing-room, to be sure that no ridiculous mistake has been made. Thérèse shall dress your hair. Now help yourself to the chocolate." "Patient! will you bring your work into my closet? I want to hear the end of your story." "If you please, Madam. I must try the skirt on you in a little while, by your leave." So Patient and the white satin petticoat came and settled themselves in Celia's boudoir. "You had just landed in France when you left off, Patient. I am anxious to know if you found friends."