“I know that; but since Eve’s fig-leaf invention the matter of dress has been an absorbing one for nearly every generation.”

“In the main; but there have been beautiful exceptions all down the long stream of the ages.  I met some literary women the last time I was visiting in England, and their minds seemed so far superior to their bodies, or the clothes they wore, that ever since I have been ashamed of myself when I get particularly interested in what I am to wear.”

“You are young, my child, to begin to philosophize on the matter of clothes.  You have read Sartor Resartus?”

“Oh, yes, and I want to be something better than a mere biped without feathers.”

“To want is the first step toward the accomplishment.  I think you will suit Mr. Winthrop after he gets to know you, if ever he does,” she added, after a pause.

CHAPTER IV.

The funeral.

The next morning I went in search of Mrs. Flaxman.  I found her busy superintending, along with the housekeeper, some extensive pickling and preserving operations.  I hesitated at first in making my request; I wanted her to accompany me to the funeral.

“I promised Mrs. Blake to go to her daughter’s funeral to-day, and I should so much like to have you go with me,” I said.

“If you would like my company, your liking shall be gratified, my dear.”

“But you looked tired, and it is such a hot day.”

“I shall want folk to come and get me safely planted away some day, and we can take the carriage.  Thomas will be glad to go; at least he always wants to attend funerals.  Such persons usually are fond of the mild excitement attendant on such gatherings.”

I went in search of Thomas, who was with coachman and gardener, having a lad to assist him in both occupations.  He assured me that work was very pressing, and it would be at considerable personal sacrifice if he went.  The stable boy, a red-haired, keen-faced youth standing by, gave a quizzical look, which I interpreted as meaning that Thomas wished to conceal the fact that he was very glad indeed to go to Mrs. Daniel Blake’s funeral.  At the appointed hour I found myself in a carriage drawn by a pair of horses fully as handsome, but much more sedate than Faery.  “Why, this is positively luxurious,” I exclaimed, leaning back in the very comfortable carriage.  Mrs. Flaxman smiled serenely.

“My dear, it is a luxury you may every day enjoy.  I am not inclined for carriage exercise—­a walk has greater charm for me save when I am tired.”

“If you had walked all your life—­only enjoying a carriage at brief intervals during the holidays, you would enjoy this drive, I am sure.”

“Your life is not a very long affair, my child.  At your age, no doubt, I thought as you now do.  I believe God intended that youth and age should see this world through different eyes.”