On a long table in the middle of the room , a dozen delicate caps and head-dresses were set forth . On another lay garlands of French flowers bought for pretty Clara 's own adornment . Several dainty ball-dresses , imported for the gay winter she had expected to pass , hung over chairs and couch , also a velvet mantle Mrs. Barlow wished to sell , while some old lace , well-chosen ribbons , and various elegant trifles gave color and grace to the room . Clara 's first customer was Mrs. Tower , -- a stout florid lady , full of the good-will and the real kindliness which is so sweet in times of trouble . `` My dear girl , how are you , and how is mamma ? Now this is charming . Such a capital idea , and just what is needed ; a quiet place , where one can come and be made pretty without all the world 's knowing how we do it . '' And greeting Clara even more cordially than of old , the good lady trotted about , admiring everything , just as she used to do when she visited the girl in her former home to see and exclaim over any fresh arrival of Paris finery . `` I 'll take this mantle off your hands with pleasure , for I intended to import one , and this saves me so much trouble . Put it up for me , dear , at the price mamma paid for it , not a cent less , because it has never been worn , and I 've no duties to pay on it , so it is a good bargain for me . '' Then , before Clara could thank her , she turned to the head-gear , and fell into raptures over a delicate affair , all blonde and forget-me-nots . `` Such a sweet thing ! I must have it before any one else snaps it up . Try it on , love , and give it a touch if it does n't fit . '' Clara knew it would be vain to remonstrate , for Mrs. Tower had not a particle of taste , and insisted on wearing blue , with the complexion of a lobster . On it went , and even the wearer could not fail to see that something was amiss . `` It 's not the fault of the cap , dear . I always was a fright , and my dreadful color spoils whatever I put on , so I have things handsome , and give up any attempt at beauty , '' she said , shaking her head at herself in the glass . `` You need not do that , and I 'll show you what I mean , if you will give me leave ; for , with your fine figure and eyes , you ca n't help being an elegant woman . See , now , how I 'll make even this cap becoming . ''
And XXXXX laid the delicate flowers among the blonde behind , where the effect was unmarred by the over-red cheeks , and nothing but a soft ruche lay over the dark hair in front .
Barlow Clara French Tower finery first forget-me-nots head-dresses head-gear wearer