"I believe you will, first thing. Now listen again: I expect to-night the Duchesses of Longueville and Montausier, the Marchioness de Simiane, and other inferior persons. What kind of seat will you take?"
"Will you please to instruct me, Madam?" asked Celia, timidly—an answer which slightly modified Lady Ingram's annoyance.
"You are very ignorant," said that Lady. "It is one comfort that you are willing to be taught. My dear, when we are merely assembled en famille, and there is no etiquette observed, you can sit on what you like. But if there be any person present in an assembly of higher rank than yourself, you must not sit on a chair with a back to it; and whatever be the rank of your companions, on no occasion must you occupy an arm-chair. You will take your place this evening on an ottoman or a folding-stool. You will remember that?"
"I will remember, Madam," replied Celia.
"Should any member of the Royal House condescend to honor me by appearing at my assemblies—I do not expect it to-night—you will rise, making three deep courtesies, and remain standing until you are desired to seat yourself."
"Yes, Madam."
"Very well. Now go down into the drawing-room, and find a stool somewhere in the corner, where nobody will see you."
Thus graciously dismissed, Celia retired from her step-mother's dressing-room, with a long look at Lady Ingram, whom she had never before seen so splendidly attired. She wore a blue robe, with a long sweeping train, robe and train being elaborately embroidered with flowers, in white, crimson, and straw-color; a petticoat of the palest straw-colored satin, a deep lace berthe, and sleeves of lace reaching to the elbow; long white gloves advanced to meet the sleeve, and jewels of sapphire and diamond gleamed upon the neck and wrists. Her hair was dressed about a foot above her head, and adorned with white plumes, sapphires, and diamonds. Celia descended to the drawing-room, feeling stiff and uncomfortable in her new yellow silk and white satin, and nervously afraid of losing her bracelets and necklace, of topaz and diamonds, which Lady Ingram had lent her for the occasion. In the drawing-room she discovered Mr. Philip resplendently arrayed in white and crimson, and occupied in surveying himself intently in the mirrors.
"O Celia!" said he, when she uttered his name, "I am glad you have come early. It is such fun to see the folks come in, and do all their bowing and courtesying; and I shall have some amusement to-night in watching your innocent astonishment at some things, my woodland bird, or I am mistaken. Please be seated, Madam; here is a place for you in a nice little corner, and I shall keep by your side devotedly all the evening. Has my Lady-Mother seen and approved that smart new gown of yours?"
Celia smiled, and answered affirmatively.