We could hardly go but fair and softly all the way, as there were a
great many people abroad in that cool hour. Seeing so many people
made me notice their looks the more; and I must say, my taste,
cultivated in the sombre greyness, or rather brownness, of the
nineteenth century, was rather apt to condemn the gaiety and
brightness of the raiment; and I even ventured to say as much to
Clara. She seemed rather surprised, and even slightly indignant, and
said: "Well, well, what's the matter? They are not about any dirty
work; they are only amusing themselves in the fine evening; there is
nothing to foul their clothes. Come, doesn't it all look very
pretty? It isn't gaudy, you know."

Indeed that was true; for many of the people were clad in colours
that were sober enough, though beautiful, and the harmony of the
colours was perfect and most delightful.

I said, "Yes, that is so; but how can everybody afford such costly
garments? Look! there goes a middle-aged man in a sober grey dress;
but I can see from here that it is made of very fine woollen stuff,
and is covered with silk embroidery."

Said Clara: "He could wear shabby clothes if he pleased,--that is,
if he didn't think he would hurt people's feelings by doing so."

"But please tell me," said I, "how can they afford it?"

As soon as I had spoken I perceived that I had got back to my old
blunder; for I saw Dick's shoulders shaking with laughter; but he
wouldn't say a word, but handed me over to the tender mercies of
Clara, who said -