WHITE ROSES While the travellers refreshed , and Mrs President struggled into her best gown , Josie ran into the garden to gather flowers for the brides . The sudden arrival of these interesting beings had quite enchanted the romantic girl , and her head was full of heroic rescues , tender admiration , dramatic situations , and feminine wonder as to whether the lovely creatures would wear their veils or not . She was standing before a great bush of white roses , culling the most perfect for the bouquets which she meant to tie with the ribbon festooned over her arm , and lay on the toilette tables of the new cousins , as a delicate attention . A step startled her , and looking up she saw her brother coming down the path with folded arms , bent head , and the absent air of one absorbed in deep thought . ` Sophy Wackles , ' said the sharp child , with a superior smile , as she sucked her thumb just pricked by a too eager pull at the thorny branches . ` What are you at here , Mischief ? ' asked Demi , with an Irvingesque start , as he felt rather than saw a disturbing influence in his day-dream . ` Getting flowers for `` our brides '' . Do n't you wish you had one ? ' answered Josie , to whom the word ` mischief ' suggested her favourite amusement . ' A bride or a flower ? ' asked Demi calmly , though he eyed the blooming bush as if it had a sudden and unusual interest for him . ` Both ; you get the one , and I 'll give you the other . ' ` Wish I could ! ' and Demi picked a little bud , with a sigh that went to Josie 's warm heart . ` Why do n't you , then ? It 's lovely to see people so happy . Now 's a good time to do it if you ever mean to . She will be going away for ever soon . ' ` Who ? '
and XXXXX pulled a half-opened bud , with a sudden colour in his own face ; which sign of confusion delighted little Jo .
Demi Irvingesque Josie President Wackles arm day-dream influence ribbon toilette