'Yes,' I answered; 'do you like it.'
'Well, it does for you, sis, because you're so little and peaked-like, but it wouldn't do for me. The other lady, now, don't wear nothing like that; is she even with the style, too?'
'There is such a thing as being above the style, madam,' replied Ermine, bending to dip up glass number two.
'Our figgers is a good deal alike,' pursued the woman; 'I reckon that fashion ud suit me best.'
Willowy Erminia glanced at the stick-like hostess. 'You do me honor,' she said, suavely. 'I shall consider myself fortunate, madam, if you will allow me to send you patterns from C——. What are we if not well dressed?'
'You have a fine dog,' I began hastily, fearing lest the great, black eyes should penetrate the sarcasm; 'what is his name?'
'A stupid beast! He's none of mine; belongs to my man.'
'Your husband?'
'Yes, my man. He works in the coal-mine over the hill.'
'You have no children?'