If the gown was not perfect, it was as good a one as she was in the habit of seeing, even upon gala occasions.

And she had no intention of keeping her gown for occasions; her intention was that it should be associated with her in the ordinary mind of the place.

Now that she was fortunate enough to possess silk (and she was determined this should only be the forerunner of a succession of such gowns) people should think of her as Miss White, who wore silk in the afternoons.

She settled this as she saw how well the material became her.

Then, with grave care, she arranged a veil round the black bonnet she wore, and stood putting on new gloves preparatory to leaving the room.