Chapter 14: Monarchy in Repose

⁠​​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​​‌​​​​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​⁠On the following morning after breakfast Mrs. Courteen produced a strip of faded rose ribband.

"Try to match this, child," she said to Phyllida.

"But mamma, 'tis not possible. The silk is old," expostulated the daughter who was dressed and ready to take the air.

"Nothing is impossible, child," generalised the widow. "Do your best—all that is required of human beings. You may take Thomas with you."

"Bu