Jerry , although she has n't climbed trees since she was twelve , went up that acacia as nimbly as a pussy-cat , took the box and things from me , passed them to Miss Ponsonby , and got in at the window while I went back to my own room to dress , hoping old Mr. Ponsonby would n't be running out to ring the fire alarm . In a very short time I heard Miss Ponsonby and Jerry at the opposite window , and I rushed to mine to see the sight . But Miss Ponsonby , with a red fascinator over her head and a big cape wrapped round her , slipped out of the window and down that blessed acacia tree as neatly and nimbly as if she had been accustomed to doing it for exercise every day of her life . There were possibilities in Miss Ponsonby . In two more minutes they were both safe in our room . Then Jerry threw off Miss Ponsonby 's wraps and stepped back . I know I stared until my eyes stuck out of my head . Was that Miss Ponsonby -- that ! The black lace dress , with the pinkish sheen of its slip beneath , suited her slim shape to perfection and clung around her in lovely , filmy curves that made her look willowy and girlish . It was high-necked , just cut away slightly at the throat , and had great , loose , hanging frilly sleeves of lace . Jerry had shaken out her hair and piled it high on her head in satiny twists and loops , with a pompadour such as Miss Ponsonby could never have thought about . It suited her tremendously and seemed to alter the whole character of her face , giving verve and piquancy to her delicate little features . The excitement had flushed her cheeks into positive pinkness and her eyes were starry . The roses were pinned on her shoulder . Miss Ponsonby , as she stood there , was a pretty woman , with fifteen apparent birthdays the less . `` Oh , Alicia , you look just lovely ! '' I gasped . The name slipped out quite naturally . I never thought about it at all . `` My dear Elizabeth , '' she said , `` it 's like a dream of lost youth . ''
We got XXXXX ready and then we started for the Hubbards ' , out by our back door and through our neighbour-on-the-left 's lane to avoid all observation .
Alicia Elizabeth Jerry Ponsonby birthdays day fascinator fire piquancy pussy-cat