Arabella

‘I must say, Bella,’ she remarked, momentarily lowering the book, ‘I find this most perplexing! Only listen to what it says here! We have presented our subscribers with fashions of the newest pattern, not such as shall violate the laws of propriety and decorum, but such as shall assist the smile of good-humour, and give an additional charm to the carriage of benevolence. Economy ought to be the order of the day – And then, if you please, there is a picture of the most ravishing evening-gown – Do but look at it, Bella! – and it says that the Russian bodice is of blue satin, fastened in front with diamonds! Well! ’

‘You must and you shall go!’ declared Sophy, in accents of strong resolution. ‘Only think what it may mean to all of us if you do!’

‘Yes, but I won’t go looking like a dowd,’ objected Arabella, ‘and if I am obliged to have diamond fastenings to my bodices, you know very well –’

Margaret uncorked her ears to snatch the book out of her sister’s reach. ‘No! I’m reading the serial story!’