One ornament, and one only, had Seraphine ever been guilty of wearing,
and that was an old-fashioned half-hoop ring of Brazilian diamonds,
brilliants of the first water. This ring she called her yard measure;
and she was in the habit of using it as her Standard of purity, and
comparing it with any diamonds which her customers submitted to her
inspection. For the clever little dressmaker had a feeling heart for a
lady in difficulties, and was in the habit of lending money on good
security, and on terms that were almost reasonable as compared with the
usurious rates one reads of in the newspapers.
Lesbia's first sensation upon having this accomplished person presented
to her was one of shrinking and disgust. There was something sinister in
the sallow face, the small shrewd eyes, and long hooked nose, the
crooked figure, and claw-shaped hands. But when Madame Seraphine began
to talk about gowns, and bade her acolytes--smartly-dressed young women
with pleasing countenances--bring forth marvels of brocade and satin,
embroideries, stamped velvets, bullion fringes, and ostrich feather
flouncings, Lesbia became interested, and forgot the unholy aspect of
the high priestess.
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