I know papa would wish it , so please let me try . '' `` As you like ; I shall not be a burden to any one long . '' And Mrs. Barlow looked about for her handkerchief . But Clara prevented the impending shower by skilfully turning the poor lady 's thoughts to the new cap which was ready to try on . `` Is n't it pretty ? Just the soft effect that is so becoming to your dear , pale face . Take a good look at it , and tell me whether you 'll have pale pink bows or lavender . '' `` It is very nice , child ; you always suit me , you 've such charming taste . I 'll have lavender , for though it 's not so becoming as pink , it is more appropriate to our fallen fortunes , '' answered her mother , smiling in spite of herself , as she studied effects in the mirror . `` No , let us have it pink , for I want my pretty mother to look her best , though no one sees her but me , and I 'm so glad to know that I can make caps well if I ca n't do anything else , '' said Clara , rummaging in a box for the desired shade . `` No one ever suited me so well , and if you were not a lady , you might make a fortune as a milliner , for you have the taste of a Frenchwoman , '' said Mrs. Barlow , adding , as she took her cap off , `` Do n't you remember how offended Madame Pigat was when she found out that you altered all her caps before I wore them , and how she took some of your hints and got all the credit of them ? '' `` Yes , mamma , '' was all Clara answered , and then sat working so silently that it was evident her thoughts were as busy as her hands . Presently she said , `` I must go down to our big box for the ribbon , there is none here that I like , '' and , taking a bunch of keys , she went slowly away . In the large parlor below stood several trunks and cases belonging to Mrs. Barlow , and left there for her convenience , as the room was unlet . Clara opened several of these , and rapidly turned over their contents , as if looking for something beside pale pink ribbon . Whatever it was she appeared to find it , for , dropping the last lid with a decided bang , she stood a moment looking about the large drawing-room with such brightening eyes it was evident that they saw some invisible beauty there ; then a smile broke over her face , and she ran up stairs to waken her mother from a brief doze , by crying joyfully , as she waved a curl of gay ribbon over her head , -- `` I 've got it , mamma , I 've got it ! '' `` Bless the child ! what have you got , -- a letter ? '' cried Mrs. Barlow , starting up . `` No ; but something better still , -- a new way to get a living .
I 'll be a XXXXX , and you shall have as many caps as you like .
Barlow Clara Frenchwoman Pigat doze handkerchief left milliner one something