“It is really a case; Laura is engaged to Mr. Dalzell, your old friend and neighbour, and she is going to give one of her wedding orders here.  Mrs. Dunn should be greatly obliged to you, for we never would have come to the house but for you.  But this marriage amuses me a good deal.  I’m sure your sister was fifty times too good for him, and Laura and he will just suit each other.  He is very much attached to her fortune, and she will have it settled upon herself; at least, papa will see that is done as tightly as she could wish, and Laura has a sharp eye to number one, I can assure you.  She is quite delighted at the idea of being married at eighteen, to such a handsome man, of such a good family.  Mrs. Dalzell has been to see us, and been so gracious.  After all, what better luck could she look for than to be married for her money? with such a temper as she has, too.  He certainly is handsome; but for my part, I would rather have a man who is downright ugly than one who grins and bows like William Dalzell.  I will be quite glad when this affair is over.  Lovers are very tiresome when one does not quite believe in the love.”

“Well, Laura dear, have you made up your mind about the dresses?” continued Miss Rennie, in a louder voice.

“You had better go to Mademoiselle Defour about the dresses,” said Elsie.  “I must keep to my own department.”

“Oh, Laura wants your taste to help us to decide; you know better what suits than mademoiselle,” said Miss Rennie.

“But I am going to be busy here,” said Elsie, who never felt much disposed to wait on Miss Wilson, and at this time less than ever; and she turned to an elderly lady, of a very pleasing countenance, who, with a pretty girl of thirteen, entered the showroom at that moment.

“Oh, Miss Thomson,” said Miss Rennie, shaking hands with the new comer, “how do you do?  Are you in Edinburgh just now?  You must come to see mamma; she will be so disappointed if you leave her out.  Have you come to hear Dr. B——?  He preaches for the last time in Edinburgh on Sunday.”

“I am to be in Edinburgh for a few days,” said Miss Thomson, “and will certainly call on your mother.”

“This is one of your nieces, I suppose?” said Miss Rennie.

“Yes, this is Grace Forrester, my youngest niece, who has been doing so well at school, and been such a good girl altogether, that I must needs give her a new frock for a party she is invited to next week, and get it fashionably made, too, no doubt.”

“This is not the dressmaking-room—­Miss Melville is the milliner.  We must go to the next room for Grace’s frock,” said Miss Rennie.

“But I am in want of a new cap and bonnet for myself, and I must teach Grace that old people must be served first, and that young folks must wait with patience,” said Miss Thomson, looking very kindly on the girl.  “Miss Melville can take my order, I suppose?  You are the sister of the young lady who called on me some time ago?”