the stairs, "is that you?"

"No," said Fleda.

"Well, just wait till I come down to you. My darling little
Fleda, it's delicious of you to come so early. Now, just tell
me, am I captivating?"

"Well, I retain self-possession," said Fleda. "I cannot tell
about the strength of head of other people."

"You wretched little creature! Fleda, don't you admire my
hair? it's new style, my dear — just come out; the Delancys
brought it out with them; Eloise Delancy taught it us; isn't
it graceful? Nobody in New York has it yet, except the
Delancys and we."

"How do you know but they have taught somebody else?" said
Fleda.

"I won't talk to you! Don't you like it?"

"I am not sure that I do not like you in your ordinary way
better."

Constance made a gesture of impatience, and then pulled Fleda
after her into the drawing-rooms.

"Come in here; I wont waste the elegancies of my toilet upon
your dull perceptions; come here and let me show you some