My mind--incapable of retaining, even when at its best, more than one idea at a time--is now so filled to overflowing with the thought of this ball that I quite lose sight of our expected visitor, and forget to mention the advent of Lord Chandos. I talk and dream and think of nothing but the coming gayety. Nevertheless it causes me keen anxiety. I am conceitedly desirous of looking my best on that eventful night; I am also ambitious of seeming stricken in years, having long ago decided that my juvenile appearance as a married woman is very much against me, and that age brings dignity. I sit down, and, running over all my dresses in my mind, cannot convince myself that any of them, if worn, would have the desired effect of adding years to my face and form. My _trousseau_, to be just, was desirable in every way. How she managed it no one could tell, but mother _did_ contrive to screw sufficient money out of papa to set me creditably before the world. Still all my evening robes seem youthful and girlish in the extreme as I call them up one by one. After a full half-hour of earnest cogitation, I make up my mind to a grand purpose, and, stealing downstairs, move rather sneakily to Marmaduke's study. I devoutly trust he will be alone, and as I open the door I find I have my wish. He is busily writing; but, as he is never too busy to attend to me, he lays down his pen and smiles kindly as he sees me. "Come in, little woman. What am I to do for you?" "Marmaduke," I say, nervously, "I have come to ask you a great favor." "That is something refreshingly now. Do you know it will be the first favor you have asked of me, though we have been married more than three months? Say on and I swear it shall be yours, whatever it is--to the half of my kingdom." "You are quite sure you will not think it queer of me, or--or shabby?" "Quite certain." "Well, then"--with an effort--"for this ball, I think, Marmaduke, I would like a new dress; may I send to London for it?" When I have said it it seems to me so disgracefully soon to ask for new clothes that I blush crimson, and am to the last degree shamefaced. Marmaduke laughs heartily. "Is that all?" he says. "Are you really wasting a blush on such a slight request? What an odd little girl you are! I believe you are the only wife alive who would feel modest about asking such a question. How much do you want darling? You will require some other things too, I suppose. Shall I give you a hundred pounds, to see how far it will go? Will that be enough?" "Oh, 'Duke! a great deal too much." "Not a bit too much. I don't know what dresses cost, but I have always heard a considerable sum. And now, as we are on the subject of money, Phyllis; what would you prefer--an allowance, or money whenever you want it, or what?" "If you would pay my bills, Marmaduke, I would like it best." I have never felt so thoroughly married as at this moment, when I know myself to be dependent on him for every shilling I may spend.