It was the first time in her life that a hairdresser had ever touched her thick mop of hair, and she had no idea of the difference to her appearance that it would make. But so critical and observant of all things had become her eye that she realised with her first peep in the mirror, when the ondulation was complete, that it had turned her into almost a beauty. The broad waves fell back from the parting and showed the admirable planting of her brow and the Greek setting of her magnetic eyes. She allowed no elaboration of fashion, but had her ample tresses bound tightly to her head--the effect was distinguished and gave her satisfaction. Then from the hairdresser's she went and bought another blouse--something pale grey and becoming, and with the parcel she got back to Berkeley Square in good time for luncheon and began to dress herself. She was glad her hands were so white, she had lately taken to giving great care to the polish of her nails--she wished her feet were smaller, but they were well shaped and no one's feet were really small nowadays, Lady Garribardine had said! She was quite content with the picture she saw in her looking-glass before she went downstairs. It was of a tall, slim girl with a very white, smooth face--extraordinary eyes under level, dark brows, and a big red mouth, and hair of silvery fairness that glistened grey, not gold, in its lights. She knew very well that she was attractive, and gave one of her rare soft laughs. A month and more of mental discipline and acute observation of those in that status of refinement to which she wished to attain had given her numerous subtle distinctions of manner which she had not possessed before. She looked like a lady, and felt that she was approaching the time when she herself--most severe of all critics--might consider herself to be one. She was nearly as excited as on that afternoon when she had left Livingstone and Devereux's to go on a three days' honeymoon with Lord Algy. She made herself eat her luncheon as calmly as usual, and then when the tray had been taken away she opened the window wide and poured a packet of cedarwood dust on the fire--and she was sitting demurely at the table when from the library Lady Garribardine and Mr. Strobridge came in. Gerard Strobridge carried a bag full of papers and looked cross and harassed. "Now G. you may have the services of Miss Bush until five o'clock; that will give you two hours and a half--you must not keep her, as she is going home to-night--then come up to my sitting-room to tea," and Lady Garribardine went out of the other door which her nephew held open for her. Katherine had risen and gone immediately to a cupboard, ostensibly to get something out for her work, so she hoped Her Ladyship had not remarked her hair--which indeed had happily been the case.