she asked , with her own blooming face so full of interest it was a pleasure to see her . `` Infinitely better ; really becoming , and just what I want with my new silver-gray satin . Dear me , what a thing taste is ! '' And Mrs. Tower regarded herself with feminine satisfaction in her really fine eyes . Here a new arrival interrupted them , and Clara went to meet several girls belonging to what had lately been her own set . The young ladies did not quite know how to behave ; for , though it seemed perfectly natural to be talking over matters of dress with Clara , there was an air of proud humility about her that made them feel ill at ease , till Nellie , a lively , warm-hearted creature , broke the ice by saying , with a little quiver in her gay voice , -- `` It 's no use , girls ; we 've either got to laugh or cry , and I think , on the whole , it would be best for all parties to laugh , and then go on just as we used to do ; '' which she did so infectiously that the rest joined , and then began to chatter as freely as of old . `` I speak for the opal silk , Clara , for papa has promised me a Worth dress , and I was green with envy when this came , '' cried Nellie , secretly wishing she wore caps , that she might buy up the whole dozen . `` You would be green with disgust if I let you have it , for no brunette could wear that most trying of colors , and I was rash to order it . You are very good , dear Nell , but I wo n't let you sacrifice yourself to friendship in that heroic style , '' answered Clara , with a grateful kiss . `` But the others are blue and lilac , both more trying than anything with a shade of pink in it . If you wo n't let me have this , you must invent me the most becoming thing ever seen ; for the most effective dress I had last winter was the gold-colored one with the wreath of laburnums , which you chose for me , '' persisted Nellie , bound to help in some way . `` I bespeak something sweet for New Year 's Day . You know my style , '' said another young lady , privately resolving to buy the opal dress , when the rest had gone . `` Consider yourself engaged to get up my bridesmaids ' costumes , for I never shall forget what a lovely effect those pale green dresses produced at Alice 's wedding . She looked like a lily among its leaves , some one said , and you suggested them , I remember , '' added a third damsel , with the dignity of a bride-elect . So it went on , each doing what she could to help , not with condolence , but approbation , and the substantial aid that is so easy to accept when gilded by kind words and cheery sympathy . A hard winter , but a successful one ; and when spring came , and all her patrons were fitted out for mountains , seaside , or springs , Clara folded her weary hands content . But Mrs. Barlow saw with anxiety how pale the girl 's cheeks had grown , how wistfully she eyed the green grass in the park , and how soon the smile died on the lips that tried to say cheerfully , -- `` No , mamma , dear , I dare not spend in a summer trip the little sum I have laid by for the hard times that may come . I shall do very well , but I ca n't help remembering the happy voyage we meant to make this year , and how much good it would do you . '' Watching the unselfish life of her daughter had taught Mrs. Barlow to forget her own regrets , inspired her with a desire to do her part , and made her ashamed of her past indolence .
Happening to mention her maternal anxieties to Mrs. Tower , that good lady suggested a plan by which the seemingly impossible became a fact , and Mrs. Barlow had the pleasure of surprising XXXXX with a `` bright idea , '' as the girl had once surprised her .
Alice Barlow Clara Nellie approbation brunette condolence quiver springs third