He offered a thousand apologies for presenting himself without asking permission, kindly adding, that however he might find Miss Kitty, whether dressed or in dishabille, she could not be otherwise than charming. I know one person who thought Kitty in her morning frock, muslin pinner, and brown hair (which was covered with little curls), looped up loosely, or allowed to flow freely to her waist, prettier than Kitty dressed up in hoop, and patches, and powder. It was the mirror which told that person so, and she never dared to tell it to any other. He had ventured, he said, still speaking to Mrs. Esther, to present an offering of flowers and fruit sent to him that morning from his country house in Kent; and then Cicely brought upstairs the most beautiful basket ever seen, filled with the finest flowers, peaches, plums, apricots, and cherries. I had seen none such since I said farewell to the old Vicarage garden, where all those things grew better, I believe, than anywhere else in England. "My lord," said my aunt, quite confused at such a gift, such condescension! "What can we say but that we accept the present most gratefully." "Indeed, madam," he replied, "there is nothing to say. I am truly pleased that my poor house is able to provide a little pleasure to two ladies. It is the first time, I assure you, that I have experienced the joy of possessing my garden." Then he went on to congratulate Mrs. Esther on my appearance at the ball. "I hear," he said, "that on the Terrace and in the coffee-house one hears nothing but the praises of the fair Miss Pleydell." I blushed, not so much at hearing my name thus mentioned, because I was already (in a single day--fie, Kitty!) accustomed and, so to speak, hardened, but because he smiled as he spoke. My lord's smile was not like some men's, bestowed upon every trifle; but, like his speech, considered. I fear, indeed, that even then, so early in the day, my heart was already thoroughly possessed of his image. "The child," said Mrs. Esther, "must not have her head turned by flattery. Yet, I own, she looked and moved like one of the three Graces. Yet we who love her must not spoil her. It was her first ball, and she did her best, poor child, to acquit herself with credit." "Credit," said my lord kindly, "is a poor, cold word to use for such a grace."