But reflection brought other and better feelings into play.

Instead of exposing what had been done, she destroyed the bonnet received from New York, and made an effort to keep what had occurred a secret.

But Kitty's appearance at church in such an elegant affair, naturally created some talk.

One surmise after another was started, and, at last, from hints dropped by the milliner, and admissions almost extorted from Mrs.Claudine, the truth came out so fully, that all understood it; nor was Mrs.
Ballman long left in ignorance on this head.
As to the fashion, Mrs.Claudine's bonnet became the rage; though, as might be supposed, Mrs.Ballman refused to adopt it.
Who will be the successful rival next season, I am unable to predict.

But it is believed that Mrs.Claudine intends giving Mrs.
Ballman an advance of two weeks, and then coming in with a different style, and beating her in spite of the advantage..