I spread all three out upon the bed. And I did not like the look of either. In fact, I objected vigorously to them all. And I always had done, that was the best of it. But until that moment I had not cared much; and no one else had cared either; so it had not mattered. I picked up the black and turned it round and round.
“I believe black tones me down, and I have been told that I need a deal of toning, so perhaps to put myself inside it would be discretion. But the thing never has fitted me, the bodice holds my arms down to my sides like a straight-waistcoat; I’ve torn the skirt three times away from the gathers; it’s only clinging to them now with the aid of a row of pins. So if anyone were to put his arms about me,—which, of course, isn’t for a moment to be thought of—but I have heard that things do happen! There might be a demand for sticking plaster, which I could not possibly supply.”
I put down the black, and took up the white.
“The last time I wore this thing a man tore about three yards off the back and never begged my pardon. It was white; but I think that the moment has almost arrived to begin to call it cream, or écru, or, perhaps coffee-coloured would be the more appropriate word. If it were not that it is all in rags it wouldn’t be so bad. It’s a work of art getting into it, and when I am in I am never sure how much of me is out. In a dress of this sort you want to see both back and front. You’re always haunted by the consciousness that other people can, although you can’t. I’m afraid it mustn’t be the white; though I’m almost sure it’s the one I hate the least.”
I proceeded to examine the blue.
“Blue suits nearly everyone, except this particular shade of blue, which it is impossible to believe suits anyone. I know that when I am in it I look my very worst, and that is saying such a deal. I believe that that’s why mamma gave it to me. When there’s any article of wearing apparel in the house which no one will touch with a pair of tongs, it’s presented to me with a flourish, and I’m expected to be grateful. They have such a primitive way of regarding the matter! ‘You see,’ they say, ‘it’s of no consequence what you wear. You never look well in anything. So what difference can it possibly make!’ If I were to talk to them like that there’d be a clatter. To-night, at any rate, I will not wear the blue.”
I tossed it back upon the bed.
“For the rest, I’ve a gorgeous pair of scarlet silk stockings, which Lilian gave me once, in a fit of frantic generosity, because they were miles and miles and miles too big for her. But I haven’t any shoes which will go with them. I’ve one fairly decent petticoat, so long as you don’t look at it too close. And I’ve a lovely set of undies, I bought them myself with my very own money, because they looked so scrumptious! which I have never dared to wear. I will wear them if for this night only. I don’t think anything else is wanted, in particular. Which is just as well. Because I’m sure I haven’t got it if it is. Oh for that fairy godmother, and the most becoming things in the very latest fashion! Hollo! I wonder if that is the lady?”
The query was prompted by the fact that just then there was a smart tapping at the door.
“Who’s there?”