They laced her into a sky-blue dress , which was so tight she could hardly breathe and so low in the neck that modest Meg blushed at herself in the mirror . A set of silver filagree was added , bracelets , necklace , brooch , and even earrings , for Hortense tied them on with a bit of pink silk which did not show . A cluster of tea-rose buds at the bosom , and a ruche , reconciled Meg to the display of her pretty , white shoulders , and a pair of high-heeled silk boots satisfied the last wish of her heart . A lace handkerchief , a plumy fan , and a bouquet in a shoulder holder finished her off , and Miss Belle surveyed her with the satisfaction of a little girl with a newly dressed doll . `` Mademoiselle is charmante , tres jolie , is she not ? '' cried Hortense , clasping her hands in an affected rapture . `` Come and show yourself , '' said Miss Belle , leading the way to the room where the others were waiting . As Meg went rustling after , with her long skirts trailing , her earrings tinkling , her curls waving , and her heart beating , she felt as if her fun had really begun at last , for the mirror had plainly told her that she was ' a little beauty ' . Her friends repeated the pleasing phrase enthusiastically , and for several minutes she stood , like a jackdaw in the fable , enjoying her borrowed plumes , while the rest chattered like a party of magpies . `` While I dress , do you drill her , Nan , in the management of her skirt and those French heels , or she will trip herself up . Take your silver butterfly , and catch up that long curl on the left side of her head , Clara , and do n't any of you disturb the charming work of my hands , '' said Belle , as she hurried away , looking well pleased with her success . `` You do n't look a bit like yourself , but you are very nice . I 'm nowhere beside you , for Belle has heaps of taste , and you 're quite French , I assure you . Let your flowers hang , do n't be so careful of them , and be sure you do n't trip , '' returned Sallie , trying not to care that Meg was prettier than herself . Keeping that warning carefully in mind , Margaret got safely down stairs and sailed into the drawing rooms where the Moffats and a few early guests were assembled . She very soon discovered that there is a charm about fine clothes which attracts a certain class of people and secures their respect . Several young ladies , who had taken no notice of her before , were very affectionate all of a sudden . Several young gentlemen , who had only stared at her at the other party , now not only stared , but asked to be introduced , and said all manner of foolish but agreeable things to her , and several old ladies , who sat on the sofas , and criticized the rest of the party , inquired who she was with an air of interest . She heard Mrs. Moffat reply to one of them ... `` Daisy March -- father a colonel in the army -- one of our first families , but reverses of fortune , you know ; intimate friends of the Laurences ; sweet creature , I assure you ; my Ned is quite wild about her . '' `` Dear me ! ''
said the old lady , putting up her glass for another observation of XXXXX , who tried to look as if she had not heard and been rather shocked at Mrs. Moffat 's fibs .
Daisy Margaret Meg Nan Ned Sallie first jackdaw plumes ruche