But the most forlorn creature out that day was a small errand girl , with a bonnet-box on each arm , and both hands struggling to hold a big broken umbrella . A pair of worn-out boots let in the wet upon her tired feet ; a thin cotton dress and an old shawl poorly protected her from the storm ; and a faded hood covered her head . The face that looked out from this hood was too pale and anxious for one so young ; and when a sudden gust turned the old umbrella inside out with a crash , despair fell upon poor Lizzie , and she was so miserable she could have sat down in the rain and cried . But there was no time for tears ; so , dragging the dilapidated umbrella along , she spread her shawl over the bonnet-boxes and hurried down the broad street , eager to hide her misfortunes from a pretty young girl who stood at a window laughing at her . She could not find the number of the house where one of the fine hats was to be left ; and after hunting all down one side of the street , she crossed over , and came at last to the very house where the pretty girl lived . She was no longer to be seen ; and , with a sigh of relief , Lizzie rang the bell , and was told to wait in the hall while Miss Belle tried the hat on . Glad to rest , she warmed her feet , righted her umbrella , and then sat looking about her with eyes quick to see the beauty and the comfort that made the place so homelike and delightful . A small waiting-room opened from the hall , and in it stood many blooming plants , whose fragrance attracted Lizzie as irresistibly as if she had been a butterfly or bee . Slipping in , she stood enjoying the lovely colors , sweet odors , and delicate shapes of these household spirits ; for Lizzie loved flowers passionately ; and just then they possessed a peculiar charm for her . One particularly captivating little rose won her heart , and made her long for it with a longing that became a temptation too strong to resist . It was so perfect ; so like a rosy face smiling out from the green leaves , that Lizzie could NOT keep her hands off it , and having smelt , touched , and kissed it , she suddenly broke the stem and hid it in her pocket . Then , frightened at what she had done , she crept back to her place in the hall , and sat there , burdened with remorse . A servant came just then to lead her upstairs ; for Miss Belle wished the hat altered , and must give directions . With her heart in a flutter , and pinker roses in her cheeks than the one in her pocket , Lizzie followed to a handsome room , where a pretty girl stood before a long mirror with the hat in her hand . `` Tell Madame Tifany that I do n't like it at all , for she has n't put in the blue plume mamma ordered ; and I wo n't have rose-buds , they are so common , '' said the young lady , in a dissatisfied tone , as she twirled the hat about . `` Yes , miss , '' was all Lizzie could say ; for SHE considered that hat the loveliest thing a girl could possibly own . `` You had better ask your mamma about it , Miss Belle , before you give any orders . She will be up in a few moments , and the girl can wait , '' put in a maid , who was sewing in the ante-room . `` I suppose I must ; but I WO N'T have roses , '' answered Belle , crossly . Then she glanced at Lizzie , and said more gently , `` You look very cold ; come and sit by the fire while you wait . ''
`` I 'm afraid I 'll wet the pretty rug , miss ; my feet are sopping , '' said XXXXX , gratefully , but timidly .
Belle Lizzie Tifany ante-room bonnet-boxes day left rose-buds storm waiting-room