Mrs. Keith squeezed the slight hand.
"We must prove ourselves Englishwomen, Kitty," she said then. "A brave woman will always willingly give up the man she loves to the cause of his queen and his country."
"Some women are not brave," said Kitty, in a smothered voice.
They arrived at the dressmaker's, and Kitty went upstairs. She was shown into a large showroom. She wandered about restlessly. The next instant a girl appeared, and asked her if she would step into madame's private sitting-room. Fear—an unreasoning fear—now caused Kitty's heart to sink very low. She followed the girl. She was shown into a small, prettily-furnished room. Madame Dupuys was waiting for her.
"I am very much obliged to you, Miss Hepworth," she said, "for calling to see me so early."
"But what is the matter?" said Kitty. "Why did you send me such an alarming note? What can be wrong?"
"I am more sorry than I can say, Miss Hepworth; but even at the risk of losing your custom, it is absolutely necessary that you should pay me at least half of my bill by to-night."
"I cannot possibly do it," said the girl. "What is the matter? You told me you would give me a little time."
"I am sorry, but I am obliged to change my mind. I am pressed myself to pay a large sum—pressed unexpectedly. I cannot let you have the dress for the fancy ball unless you pay me half my account."
"Oh, how terribly cruel of you! You will ruin me if you act so."