I ought not to have gone near them in that stupid muslin.

Please forgive me for being so foolish.

I am not fit to have pretty frocks.' 'I think, my dear, you can now have no doubt that the tailor gowns are fittest for you,' answered Lady Maulevrier, with crushing placidity.

'We have tried the experiment of dressing you like Lesbia, and you see it does not answer.

Tell Kibble to throw your new gown in the rag-bag, and please let me hear no more about it.' After this dismal failure Mary could not feel herself ill-used in having to wear tailor gowns all the year round.