CHAPTER II.
DAME AND FARMER.
When the first shock was over, Hilda was rather glad than otherwise to learn that there was to be no delay in carrying out the odious plan.
"The sooner the better," she said to herself.

"I certainly don't want to see any of the girls again, and the first plunge will be the worst of it." "What clothes am I to take ?" she asked her mother, in a tone which she mentally denominated "quiet and cold," though possibly some people might have called it "sullen." "Your clothes are already packed, dear," replied Mrs.Graham; "you have only to pack your dressing-bag, to be all ready for the start to-morrow.
See, here is your trunk, locked and strapped, and waiting for the porter's shoulder;" and she showed Hilda a stout, substantial-looking trunk, bearing the initials H.G.
"But, mamma," Hilda began, wondering greatly, "my dresses are all hanging in my wardrobe." "Not all of them, dear!" said her mother, smiling.

"Hark! papa is calling you.

Make haste and go down, for dinner is ready." Wondering more and more, Hildegarde made a hasty toilet, putting on the pretty pale blue cashmere dress which her father specially liked, with silk stockings to match, and dainty slippers of bronze kid.

As she clasped the necklace of delicate blue and silver Venetian beads which completed the costume, she glanced into the long cheval-glass which stood between the windows, and could not help giving a little approving nod to her reflection.