his lady's unfailing graciousness of bearing and kindly looks and words,
grew with every hour that passed.

They held one night a splendid assembly at which a member of the Royal
House was present. That night Clorinda bade her sister appear.

"Sometimes--I do not command it always--but sometimes you must show
yourself to our guests. My lord will not be pleased else. He says it is
not fitting that his wife's sister should remain unseen as if we hid her
away through ungraciousness. Your woman will prepare for you all things
needful. I myself will see that your dress becomes you. I have
commanded it already, and given much thought to its shape and colour. I
would have you very comely, Anne." And she kissed her lightly on her
cheek--almost as gently as she sometimes kissed her lord's grey hair. In
truth, though she was still a proud lady and stately in her ways, there
had come upon her some strange subtle change Anne could not understand.

On the day on which the assembly was held, Mistress Anne's woman brought
to her a beautiful robe. 'Twas flowered satin of the sheen and softness
of a dove's breast, and the lace adorning it was like a spider's web for
gossamer fineness. The robe was sweetly fashioned, fitting her shape
wondrously; and when she was attired in it at night a little colour came
into her cheeks to see herself so far beyond all comeliness she had ever
known before. When she found herself in the midst of the dazzling scene
in the rooms of entertainment, she was glad when at last she could feel
herself lost among the crowd of guests. Her only pleasure in such scenes
was to withdraw to some hidden corner and look on as at a pageant or a
play. To-night she placed herself in the shadow of a screen, from which
retreat she could see Clorinda and Dunstanwolde as they received their
guests. Thus she found enjoyment enough; for, in truth, her love and