The chaperon and the dressmaker put their heads together, looked at
fashion plates, talked solemnly of Worth and his compeers, of the gowns
that were being worn by Bernhardt, and Pierson, and Croisette, and other
stars of the Parisian stage; and then Lady Kirkbank gave her orders,
Lesbia listening and assenting.
Nothing was said about prices; but Lesbia had a vague idea that some of
the things would be rather expensive, and she ventured to ask Lady
Kirkbank if she were not ordering too many gowns.
'My dear, Lady Maulevrier said you were to have _carte blanche_,'
replied Georgie, solemnly. 'Your dear grandmother is as rich as Croesus,
and she is generosity itself; and how should I ever forgive myself if I
allowed you to appear in society in an inadequate style. You have to
take a high place, the very highest place, Lesbia; and you must be
dressed in accordance with that position.'
Lesbia said no more. After all it was Lady Kirkbank's business and not
hers. See had been entrusted to Lady Kirkbank as to a person who
thoroughly knew the great world, and she must submit to be governed by
the wisdom and experience of her chaperon.
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