the princess of the ghouls, nearly monopolised the whole of it.
Mamma Jones--we will call her Jones for the occasion--put in a word
now and then, as did also the elder and more energetic Miss
Macmanus. The dumpy lady with the broad back ate tea-cake
incessantly; the two daughters looked scornful, as though they were
above their company with reference to the five pupils; and the five
pupils themselves sat in a row with the utmost propriety, each with
her hands crossed on her lap before her.

Of what they were talking at last I became utterly oblivious. They
had ignored me, going into realms of muslin, questions of maid-
servants, female rights, and cheap under-clothing; and I therefore
had ignored them. My mind had gone back to Mr. Horne and his
garments. While they spoke of their rights, I was thinking of his
wrongs; when they mentioned the price of flannel, I thought of that
of broadcloth.

But of a sudden my attention was arrested. Miss Macmanus had said
something of the black silks of Antwerp, when Miss Grogram replied
that she had just returned from that city and had there enjoyed a
great success. My cousin had again asked something about the black
silks, thinking, no doubt, that Miss Grogram had achieved some
bargain, but that lady had soon undeceived her.

"Oh no," said Miss Grogram, "it was at the castle. We got such
beautiful relics of General Chasse! Didn't we, Mrs. Jones?"

"Indeed we did," said Mrs. Jones, bringing out from beneath the
skirts of her dress and ostensibly displaying a large black bag.