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 While Ellis hesitated what to reply, to a measure which, thus conducted, and thus announced, seemed to her unequivocally impertinent, the packet itself was surrounded by an eager tribe of females, and five or six voices broke forth at once, with remarks, or animadversions, upon the silk.

"How vastly pretty it is!" cried Miss Arramede, addressing herself courteously to Miss Arbe.

"Yes, pretty enough, for what it is meant for," answered Miss Sycamore; glancing her eyes superciliously towards Ellis.

"Pray, Miss Arbe, what did you give a yard for it," demanded Miss Bydel; "and how much will the body-lining come to? I hope you know of a cheap mantua-maker?"

"Bless me, how fine you are going to make The Ellis!" cried Miss Crawley: "why I shall take her for a rose!"

"Why then The Ellis will be The rose!" said Miss Di; "but I should