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 , Rose 's head looked more like that of a dashing young cavalier than a modest little girl 's . High-heeled boots tilted her well forward , a tiny muff pinioned her arms , and a spotted veil , tied so closely over her face that her eyelashes were rumpled by it , gave the last touch of absurdity to her appearance . `` Now she looks like other girls , and as I like to see her , '' Mrs. Clara was saying , with an air of great satisfaction . `` She does look like a fashionable young lady , but somehow I miss my little Rose , for children dressed like children in my day , '' answered Aunt Plenty , peering through her glasses with a troubled look , for she could not imagine the creature before her ever sitting in her lap , running to wait upon her , or making the house gay with a child 's blithe presence . `` Things have changed since your day , Aunt , and it takes time to get used to new ways . But you , Jessie , surely like this costume better than the dowdy things Rose has been wearing all summer . Now , be honest , and own you do , '' said Mrs. Clara , bent on being praised for her work . `` Well , dear to be quite honest , then , I think it is frightful , '' answered Mrs. Jessie , with a candour that caused revolving Rose to stop in dismay . `` Hear , hear , '' cried a deep voice , and with a general start the ladies became aware that the enemy was among them . Rose blushed up to her hat brim , and stood , looking , as she felt , like a fool , while Mrs. Clara hastened to explain . `` Of course , I do n't expect you to like it , Alec , but I do n't consider you a judge of what is proper and becoming for a young lady . Therefore , I have taken the liberty of providing a pretty street suit for Rose . She need not wear it if you object , for I know we promised to let you do what you liked with the poor dear for a year . '' `` It is a street costume , is it ? '' asked the Doctor , mildly . `` Do you know , I never should have guessed that it was meant for winter weather and brisk locomotion . Take a turn , Rosy , and let me see all its beauties and advantages . '' Rose tried to walk off with her usual free tread , but the under-skirt got in her way , the over-skirt was so tight she could not take a long step , and her boots made it impossible to carry herself perfectly erect . `` I have n't got used to it yet , '' she said , petulantly , kicking at her train , as she turned to toddle back again . `` Suppose a mad dog or a runaway horse was after you , could you get out of the way without upsetting , Colonel , '' asked the Doctor , with a twinkle in the eyes that were fixed on the rakish hat .
`` Do n't think I could , but I 'll try , '' and XXXXX made a rush across the room .
Alec Clara Doctor Jessie Rose day locomotion over-skirt under-skirt year