I would give a dinner expressly for her; but I don't like to do that while my husband is in Naples." When Staines carried the invitation to his wife, she was delighted, and kissed him with childish frankness.
But the very next moment she became thoughtful, uneasy, depressed.

"Oh, dear; I've nothing to wear." "Oh, nonsense, Rosa.

Your wedding outfit." "The idea! I can't go as a bride.

It's not a masquerade." "But you have other dresses." "All gone by, more or less; or not fit for such parties as SHE gives.

A hundred carriages!" "Bring them down, and let me see them." "Oh yes." And the lady, who had nothing to wear, paraded a very fair show of dresses.
Staines saw something to admire in all of them.