`` They are at it , are they ? '' he said , looking up quickly , and giving himself a shake , as if ready for a battle of some sort . `` Yes , sir , as hard as they can talk , and Miss Rose do n't seem to know what to do , for the things are ever so stylish , and she looks elegant in 'em ; though I like her best in the old ones , '' answered Phebe . `` You are a girl of sense . I 'll settle matters for Rosy , and you 'll lend a hand . Is everything ready in her room , and are you sure you understand how they go ? '' `` Oh , yes , sir ; but they are so funny ! I know Miss Rose will think it 's a joke , '' and Phebe laughed as if something tickled her immensely . `` Never mind what she thinks so long as she obeys . Tell her to do it for my sake , and she will find it the best joke she ever saw . I expect to have a tough time of it , but we 'll win yet , '' said the Doctor , as he marched upstairs with the book in his hand , and an odd smile on his face . There was such a clatter of tongues in the sewing-room that no one heard his tap at the door , so he pushed it open and took an observation . Aunt Plenty , Aunt Clara , and Aunt Jessie were all absorbed in gazing at Rose , who slowly revolved between them and the great mirror , in a full winter costume of the latest fashion . `` Bless my heart ! worse even than I expected , '' thought the Doctor , with an inward groan , for , to his benighted eyes , the girl looked like a trussed fowl , and the fine new dress had neither grace , beauty , nor fitness to recommend it . The suit was of two peculiar shades of blue , so arranged that patches of light and dark distracted the eye . The upper skirt was tied so lightly back that it was impossible to take a long step , and the under one was so loaded with plaited frills that it `` wobbled '' no other word will express it ungracefully , both fore and aft . A bunch of folds was gathered up just below the waist behind , and a great bow rode a-top . A small jacket of the same material was adorned with a high ruff at the back , and laid well open over the breast , to display some lace and a locket . Heavy fringes , bows , puffs , ruffles , and revers finished off the dress , making one 's head ache to think of the amount of work wasted , for not a single graceful line struck the eye , and the beauty of the material was quite lost in the profusion of ornament .
A high velvet hat , audaciously turned up in front , with a bunch of pink roses and a sweeping plume , was cocked over one ear , and , with her curls braided into a club at the back of her neck , XXXXX 's head looked more like that of a dashing young cavalier than a modest little girl 's .
Clara Doctor Jessie Phebe Rose fringes locket revers ruff sewing-room