The wood nymph

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“Do stand still, Melissa," the Countess of Claymore said to her daughter. "Your ribbons are not tied properly in front. The bow is decidedly crooked."

"Whatever I do with it, Mama," the girl complained, "it is still askew just a few minutes later. I do believe Miss James was at fault when she made the dress. I wish we did not have to rely on rustic dressmakers. We are never fashionable."

"I do think Papa could take us to Harrogate occasionally," Lady Emily Wade agreed. "Surely twice a year would not be beyond our means, Mama. We have been stuck in the country here forever, and never meet anyone even remotely distinguished."

"There is nothing wrong with Miss James's workmanship," the countess said firmly. "It is merely that the ribbon has been tied wrongly, Melissa. Stand still and I shall retie it for you."

"Papa said that Mr. Mainwaring is very fashionable," Melissa said. "Perhaps he really will be, Emmy. Perhaps he will also be young and handsome. Papa said he is young, of course, but that could mean any age below fifty."

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