The skirt, with its billowy train and peeping folds of delicate
lace, pleased Thelma,--but she could not understand the bodice, and she
held that very small portion of the costume in her hand with an air of
doubt and wonderment. At last she turned her grave blue eyes inquiringly
on Madame.
"It is not finished?" she asked. "Where is the upper part of it and the
sleeves?"
Madame Rosine gesticulated with her hands and smiled.
"Miladi, there is no more!" she declared. "Miladi will perceive it is
for the evening wear--it is _decolletee_--it is to show to everybody
Miladi's most beautiful white neck and arms. The effect will be
ravishing!"
Thelma's face grew suddenly grave--almost stern.
"You must be very wicked!" she said severely, to the infinite amazement
of the vivacious Rosine. "You think I would show myself to people half
clothed? How is it possible! I would not so disgrace myself! It would
bring shame to my husband!"
Madame was almost speechless with surprise. What strange lady was this
who was so dazzlingly beautiful and graceful, and yet so ignorant of the
world's ways? She stared,--but was soon on the defensive.
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