“You did!”

“Yes.  But some one must introduce it.  As Mrs. Claudine is about doing this there is little doubt of its becoming the fashion, for the style is striking as well as tasteful.”

Mrs. Ballman mused for some moments.  There she drew the milliner aside, and said, in a low confidential tone.

“Do you think you could get up a bonnet a handsome as that, and in just as good taste?”

“I know I could.  In my last received London and Paris fashions are several bonnets a handsome as the one that is about being adopted in New York, and here also without doubt.”

“I am not so sure of its being adopted here,” said the lady.

“If Mrs. Claudine introduces it, as I understand she intends doing on Sunday, it will certainly be approved and the style followed.”

“I very much doubt it.  But we will see.  Where are the bonnets you spoke of just now?”

The milliner brought forth a number of pattern cards and plates, and pointed out two bonnets, either of which, in her judgment, was more beautiful than the one Mrs. Claudine had received.

“Far handsomer,” was the brief remark with which Mrs. Ballman approved the milliner’s judgment.  “And now,” she added, “can you get me up one of these by Sunday?”

“I will try.”

“Try won’t do,” said the lady, with some excitement in her manner.  “I must have the bonnet.  Can you make it?”

“Yes.”

“Very well.  Then make it.  And let it be done in your very best manner.  Why I wish to have this bonnet I need hardly explain to you.  I believed that I would have received the bonnet, about to be adopted in New York, first.  I had written to a friend to procure it; but, by some means, Mrs. Claudine has obtained (sic) her’s in advance of me.  Mine will be here to-morrow, but I don’t mean to wear it.  I wish to lead.”

“If you were both to appear in this bonnet, the fashion would be decided,” said the milliner.

“I know.  But I have no wish to share the honor with Mrs. Claudine.  Make me the bonnet I have selected, and I will see that it puts (sic) her’s down.”

“You will remember,” said the milliner, “that (sic) her’s has been already adopted in New York.  This will be almost sure to give it the preference.  It would be better that you did not attempt a rivalry, than that you should be beaten.”

“But I don’t mean to be beaten,” replied the lady.  “I have taken measures to prevent that.  After Sunday you will hear no more of the New York bonnet.  Mine will go, and this, I need not tell you, will be a feather in your cap, and dollars in your pocket; as I will refer to you as the only one who can get it up.  So do your best, and improve the pattern we have selected, if it will bear improvement.”

The milliner promised to do her “prettiest,” and Mrs. Ballman returned home in a state of considerable elation at the prospect of carrying off the palm, and humiliating her rival at the same time.