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Rh so much less crowding; the management of everything is ever so much better; and the dresses are gayer—ever so much!'

'Ever so much' was a recent reform suggested by Alfred. It was an undoubted improvement upon 'a jolly sight,' which it replaced; but, like most reforms, it was apt to be too much en evidence just at first.

She rattled off the points at a reckless rate, and paused fairly breathless. Her speaking looks and silent tongue no longer presented their curious contradiction; she not only looked excited, but spoke excitedly now. Lady Lettice smiled faintly, with elevated eyes and eyebrows, as she listened—till the comparison between Colonial and English dress, at which home-touch Lady Lettice was momentarily overcome behind her fan. But the Bride had other hearers besides Lady Lettice; and those who heard listened for more; and those who listened for more heard Granville remark pleasantly:—

'You used to come down from the Bush for the Melbourne Cup, then?'

'Did once,' Gladys was heard to reply.

'Have a good time?'

'Did so.'

'Old gentleman in luck, then?'