element so strongly developed as to be able to criticise without rushing into mere ignorant censure, as probably a gentleman visitor of another kind would have done. And no profane male foot ever crossed Mrs. Norton’s threshold. They were at their ease therefore next morning, after their interview with Diana, when they got up to the serious business of the day. There was no hurry; but the work was agreeable, the excitement of preparation agreeable, and then, to be sure, a hundred things might happen to hasten their departure, and it was always best to be prepared. The door of Mrs. Norton’s sanctuary was accordingly standing wide open, revealing not only the Italian bed with its crackling high-piled mattress of _turchino_, but a large wardrobe standing open with all kinds of dresses hung up inside. The alpaca which was in question was spread out upon the sofa in the little drawing-room, and formed the foreground to the picture. They were both standing at a little distance contemplating it with anxious interest. Mrs. Norton had her head on one side. Sophy had a pair of scissors in her hand. It was almost the most difficult question that had ever come before them. “It is very elaborately made,” said Mrs. Norton, doubtfully. “The flounces would be very awkward in a travelling-dress. They are so heavy to hold up, and they get so full of dust----” “But, auntie, I have heard you say it made all the difference to a dress when it was nicely made.” “Yes, that is very true; but a travelling-dress ought to be simple--it never ought to have a train, especially for a young person. You ought to be able to jump out and in of carriages, and never think of your dress. Besides, _that_ would be so useful at home. You could wear it so nicely for Diana’s little parties, or when she is alone----” “Oh, auntie! I shall never care for these horried little parties again.” “Hush, my darling! at least you must never _talk_ like that. You will be very glad of them, Sophy, when winter comes.” Sophy shook her head: but the present matter was still more important. “Something new would be better, no doubt,” she said, “for the evening--one of those light silks that are almost as cheap as alpaca. When one has to get a new thing, isn’t it better to have it for one’s best? whereas an alpaca is never very much for a best dress, and would look nothing in the evening; and making a new common dress is just as troublesome as making a handsome one. And I might cut this a little shorter, or loop it up: and it would look nice when we stayed anywhere for a few days. Diana will insist on staying everywhere for a few days: I am sure she cannot really like travelling: and this with my white frocks when it is very fine----” “I see your heart is set upon a new silk.” “No, indeed, auntie,” said Sophy, half offended. “The only thing is, what should I do with two grey alpacas? If I were to take off the trimming here, and change this flounce----”