No. 2 is of very small size in white satin, richly embroidered in crystal beads and thick silk twist. The open-work meshes, like spider webs, could reveal a pretty shade of stocking. The latter idea, however, is carried out to perfection by No. 3, a shoe which is composed entirely of strong cream silk guipure. It is eminently fitted for evening--especially dancing--wear, both as to texture and coolness. The pattern of the lace in this example adapts itself to the neatest and smallest of shapes. The back is kept in shape with satin-covered stiffening. [Illustration: PLATE X.] Plate XI. This shoe of Cromwellian shape hails from the stage, and boasts the highest heel in the collection. It is thickly embroidered in small crystal beads studded with cabochons, the latter also in clear crystal, which is a decoration difficult to beat. The wide tongue is kept in place by a strap, which would require a diamond or silver buckle to fasten it at the side, not visible in the illustration. The lining is of pale blue satin. No. 2 is owned by a society belle, whose beauty may be said to extend from “top to toe,” as the toe, or rather toes, encased in this foot-gear must be of the smallest and daintiest description, and demanding a share of the admiration granted to their lovely owner’s figure and face. The next shoe is a wedding shoe, looking strange to us in its old-world form, but the very mould of fashion in its day, which dates nearly forty years ago. [Illustration: PLATE XI.] Plate XII. A handsome shoe this of rich silver brocade, with bow of same, pointed toe, and substantial Louis heel. The incurved seam at back gives a firmer hold to heel and ankle. Miss Edna May owned the centre shoe, and it was worn by her as the “Belle of New York.” The embroidery in white silk and silver beads is faultless in design. The heel is an extremity of height, and is much the safer for the single ankle-strap, with its neat bow and ornament. No. 3, of plain silver kid, has elongated toe, beaded by small silver ornament. It is a suitable shoe for fancy dress, but has this drawback--together with its two companions, also much besilvered--a liability to tarnish. [Illustration: PLATE XII.] Plate XIII. This well-shaped boot stands out unique amongst the bevy of surrounding shoes, but its texture, shade, and workmanship are none the less delicate. Its owner and wearer was of exalted position, and her foreign birth, perhaps, inclined her to a departure from the usual style for evening wear. No. 2 shoe is of a shape frequently made in two shades, but looks no less well for its sameness of colouring in the present instance, with which the neat trio of steel daisies admirably harmonise, adapting it at once to modified mourning if desired.