She ai n't used to such things , dear child , and needs cossetin ' , '' said Aunt Plumy , purring over her until she was in her bed , with a hot stone at her feet and a bowl of herb tea to quiet her nerves . An hour later when Emily went up , she peeped in to see if Sophie was sleeping nicely , and was surprised to find the invalid wrapped in a dressing-gown writing busily . `` Last will and testament , or sudden inspiration , dear ? How are you ? faint or feverish , delirious or in the dumps ! Saul looks so anxious , and Mrs. Basset hushes us all up so , I came to bed , leaving Randal to entertain Ruth . '' As she spoke Emily saw the papers disappear in a portfolio , and Sophie rose with a yawn . `` I was writing letters , but I 'm sleepy now . Quite over my foolish fright , thank you . Go and get your beauty sleep that you may dazzle the natives to-morrow . '' `` So glad , good night ; '' and Emily went away , saying to herself , `` Something is going on , and I must find out what it is before I leave . Sophie ca n't blind me . '' But Sophie did all the next day , being delightfully gay at the dinner , and devoting herself to the young minister who was invited to meet the distinguished novelist , and evidently being afraid of him , gladly basked in the smiles of his charming neighbor . A dashing sleigh-ride occupied the afternoon , and then great was the fun and excitement over the costumes . Aunt Plumy laughed till the tears rolled down her cheeks as the girls compressed her into the plum-colored gown with its short waist , leg-of-mutton sleeves , and narrow skirt . But a worked scarf hid all deficiencies , and the towering cap struck awe into the soul of the most frivolous observer . `` Keep an eye on me , girls , for I shall certainly split somewheres or lose my head-piece off when I 'm trottin ' round . What would my blessed mother say if she could see me rigged out in her best things ? '' and with a smile and a sigh the old lady departed to look after `` the boys , '' and see that the supper was all right . Three prettier damsels never tripped down the wide staircase than the brilliant brunette in crimson brocade , the pensive blonde in blue , or the rosy little bride in old muslin and white satin .
A gallant court gentleman met them in the hall with a superb bow , and escorted them to the parlor , where Grandma XXXXX 's ghost was discovered dancing with a modern major in full uniform .
Basset Emily Plumy Ruth Saul Sophie cossetin damsels head-piece sleigh-ride