Of what they were talking at last I became utterly oblivious. They
had ignored me, going into realms of muslin, questions of maid-
servants, female rights, and cheap under-clothing; and I therefore
had ignored them. My mind had gone back to Mr. Horne and his
garments. While they spoke of their rights, I was thinking of his
wrongs; when they mentioned the price of flannel, I thought of that
of broadcloth.
But of a sudden my attention was arrested. Miss Macmanus had said
something of the black silks of Antwerp, when Miss Grogram replied
that she had just returned from that city and had there enjoyed a
great success. My cousin had again asked something about the black
silks, thinking, no doubt, that Miss Grogram had achieved some
bargain, but that lady had soon undeceived her.
"Oh no," said Miss Grogram, "it was at the castle. We got such
beautiful relics of General Chasse! Didn't we, Mrs. Jones?"
"Indeed we did," said Mrs. Jones, bringing out from beneath the
skirts of her dress and ostensibly displaying a large black bag.
"And I've got such a beautiful needle-case," said the broad-back,
displaying her prize. "I've been making it up all the morning."
And she handed over the article to Miss Macmanus.
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