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The fabric of Taryn’s is gorgeous, the cut of her mantua and stomacher perfect.

Then comes a petticoat, then a skirt, and a corset, and a mantua — a gown that goes on like a jacket, and drapes over the skirt.

“Madam,” I pressed, “I have it on the best authority that among the finest mantua makers of London, the pannier is no longer the mode.”

Then shoes are buckled, stockings are gartered, and a black mantua placed gently round her shoulders.

One was much taken up with shopping and visits to her mantua- maker; several were engrossed with fancy work; some went out a great deal; all had an air of dawdling.