When peace was proclaimed, having recovered breath and composure, the victor commanded a display of hats and gowns; these were promptly and politely exhibited, and three costumes were selected by Mrs. Corbett—whose taste was for the flamboyant and bizarre. She also set aside several hats and a tea-gown; and before Letty could protest, or interfere, she found herself fitted out in what ecstatic Madame declared to be ‘tous ce qu’il y a de plus ravissante et plus chic!’ and added that as the young lady had ‘a stock figure,’ all the robes would be ready in a few hours.
Now that his wife was provided with a suitable maid, and smart outfit, Blagdon saw no reason to postpone his journey, and he and Letty (wearing a most amazing toque) took their departure for London.
As the train moved away from the platform of ‘Le Nord,’ Lady Slater turned to her companion, and repeated:
“See us at Sharsley for the hunting—you bet he will! My dear Lola, you have made the poor child a figure of fun—that toque is the sort of thing a lunatic would make—and wear!”
“Well, yes, it’s a little outré—one of Tartare’s latest,” and she laughed maliciously.
“I wonder Letty did not kick!”
“Oh, she’s only a child—a simpleton!”
“And looks pretty in anything—that’s the worst of her, eh?”
“Her looks are a matter of opinion,” declared Mrs. Corbett stiffly. “I can’t say that I admire chocolate-box profiles; and I can tell you one thing—though you may have seen it for yourself, my clever Tatty—our beloved Blag is deadly sick of the girl already.”
“Ah, well, poor thing, I can’t help feeling sorry for her; she’s too heavily handicapped.”