The young Countess’s apartments consisted of a spacious bedchamber, and an adjoining room, known to the household as her dressing-room, but partaking more of the nature of a boudoir. My lord had had both rooms redecorated on the occasion of his marriage, nesting his bride in a tent-bed with rose-silk curtains upheld by Cupids and garlands, and hanging her dressing-room with blue and silver brocade. In this frivolous bower, of which she was frankly envious, the Lady Letitia Merion was parading between various mirrors, very well-pleased with her appearance, but unable to decide on the precise tilt at which the hat should be worn. She hailed her sister-in-law light-heartedly, saying: “Oh, I am glad you are come! I have been waiting for ever! Nell, I do think this is a ravishing hat, only how should one wear it? Like this, or like this?”

“Oh, don’t!” begged Nell involuntarily, unable to bear the sight of what had contributed to her late discomfiture.

“Good gracious, what’s the matter?” demanded Letty.

“Nothing, nothing! I have the headache a little, that is all!” She saw that Letty was staring at her, and tried to smile. “Pray don’t be concerned! It is only—I only—” She could not go on, her voice being totally suspended by the tears she was unable to control.

“Nell!” Letty flung off the ravishing hat, and ran across the room to put her arms round her sister. “Oh, pray don’t cry! Has something dreadful happened?”

“No, no! That is—I have been so wickedly extravagant!”

“Is that all? I collect Giles has been giving you a scold. Don’t regard it; he will come about? Was he very angry?”

“Oh, no, but very much displeased, and indeed it was unpardonable of me!” Nell said, drying her eyes. “But that was not the worst! I was obliged—” She broke off, flushing, and added in a hurried tone: “I can’t tell you! I shouldn’t have said that—pray don’t regard it! I have been sadly heedless, but I shall hope to go on better now. Did you wish to speak to me particularly?”