In front, above the lunar forehead, among the coronal masses, darkly fair, she fixed a diamond star, and over it wound the smoky green like a turbaned vapor, wind-ruffled, through which the diamonds gleamed faintly by fits.

Not once would she, while at her work, allow Hesper to look, and the self-willed lady had been submissive in her hands as a child of the chosen; but the moment she had succeeded--for her expectations were more than realized--she led her to the cheval-glass.

Hesper gazed for an instant, then, turning, threw her arms about Mary, and kissed her.
"I don't believe you're a human creature at all!" she cried.

"You are a fairy godmother, come to look after your poor Cinderella, the sport of stupid lady's-maids and dressmakers!" The door opened, and Folter entered.
"If you please, ma'am, I wish to leave this day month," she said, quietly.
"Then," answered her mistress, with equal calmness, "oblige me by going at once to Mrs.Perkin, and telling her that I desire her to pay you a month's wages, and let you leave the house to-morrow morning .-- You won't mind helping me to dress till I get another maid--will you, Mary ?" she added; and Folter left the room, chagrined at her inability to cause annoyance.
"I do not see why you should have another maid so long as I am with you, ma'am," said Mary.

"It should not need many days' apprenticeship to make one woman able to dress another." "Not when she is like you, Mary," said Hesper.