They are neither of them young nor handsome , and dress plainly ; so do n't expect anything splendid . Mr Laurence was telling me last night about a friend of his who met my lord in the hall , and owing to a rough greatcoat and a red face , mistook him for a coachman , and said : `` Now , my man , what do you want here ? '' Lord Abercrombie mildly mentioned who he was , and that he had come to dinner . And the poor host was much afflicted , saying afterward : `` Why did n't he wear his stars and garters ? then a fellow would know he was a lord . '' ' The girls laughed again , and a general rustle betrayed that each was prinking a bit before the titled guest arrived . Even Mrs Jo settled her collar , and Mrs Meg felt if her cap was right , while Bess shook out her curls and Josie boldly consulted the glass ; for they were women , in spite of philosophy and philanthropy . ` Shall we all rise ? ' asked one girl , deeply impressed by the impending honour . ` It would be courteous . ' ` Shall we shake hands ? ' ` No , I 'll present you en masse , and your pleasant faces will be introduction enough . ' ' I wish I 'd worn my best dress . Ought to have told us , ' whispered Sally . ` Wo n't my folks be surprised when I tell them we have had a real lady to call on us ? ' said another . ` Do n't look as if you 'd never seen a gentlewoman before , Milly . We are not all fresh from the wilderness , ' added the stately damsel who , having Mayflower ancestors , felt that she was the equal of all the crowned heads of Europe . ` Hush , she 's coming ! Oh , my heart , what a bonnet ! '
cried the gay girl in a stage whisper ; and every eye was demurely fixed upon the busy hands as the door opened to admit Mrs XXXXX and her guest .
Abercrombie Bess Europe Jo Laurence Mayflower Milly gentlewoman philanthropy right