[CHAPTER XXVIII.]
Barker stared at her aghast.
“Take them off!” said Esmeralda, almost fiercely. “Are you deaf?”
“N-o, my lady,” stammered Barker; and she obeyed. “What will your ladyship wear, then?” she asked.
Esmeralda went to the wardrobe and pointed to a plain muslin frock.
“That,” she said, curtly.
Barker could have cried aloud with astonishment and disappointment, but she got out the dress and put it on.
“What—what jewels will you wear with this, my lady?” asked Barker.
“None,” said Esmeralda.
“None!” echoed Barker. “Not the pearl suite, my lady?”