“Have I any good woollen robe by the walls?”
When a dress was done with, if the materials were worth using for something else, it was taken to pieces; if not, it was hung up “by the walls,” ready to give away when needed.
Hagena had some difficulty in answering properly.
“No, Lady; the last was given to Veka, a fortnight since.”
“Then,” was the quiet answer, which surprised all present, “it must be one of those I am wearing. Let Cumina and Dora bring such as I have.”
Derette looked up into the face of her new friend.
“Please, are you the Lady Countess?”
“Well, I suppose I am,” replied the Countess with a smile. “Now, little maid, choose which thou wilt.”
Seven woollen gowns were displayed before the Countess and Derette, all nearly new—blue, green, scarlet, tawny, crimson, chocolate, and cream-colour. Derette looked up again to the Countess’s face.
“Nay, why dost thou look at me? Take thine own choice.”