"And so their example led you on?" cried Alice, presently, waking up from a whirlpool of thought.
"Something led me on. If one is in the world, one must dress."
"No, Selina: not as you have done. Not to ruin. If people have only a small income they dress accordingly."
"And make a sight of themselves. I don't choose to."
"Better that, and have peace of mind," remarked Alice.
"Peace of mind! Oh, I don't know where that is to be found nowadays."
"I hope you will find it, Selina. How much do you say you owe?"
"There's four thousand to Damereau, and——"
"Who is Damereau?"
"Goodness me, Alice; if you never did spend a season in town, you ought to know who she is, without asking. Madame Damereau's the great milliner and dressmaker; every one goes to her."