`` I 'll take this mantle off your hands with pleasure , for I intended to import one , and this saves me so much trouble . Put it up for me , dear , at the price mamma paid for it , not a cent less , because it has never been worn , and I 've no duties to pay on it , so it is a good bargain for me . '' Then , before Clara could thank her , she turned to the head-gear , and fell into raptures over a delicate affair , all blonde and forget-me-nots . `` Such a sweet thing ! I must have it before any one else snaps it up . Try it on , love , and give it a touch if it does n't fit . '' Clara knew it would be vain to remonstrate , for Mrs. Tower had not a particle of taste , and insisted on wearing blue , with the complexion of a lobster . On it went , and even the wearer could not fail to see that something was amiss . `` It 's not the fault of the cap , dear . I always was a fright , and my dreadful color spoils whatever I put on , so I have things handsome , and give up any attempt at beauty , '' she said , shaking her head at herself in the glass . `` You need not do that , and I 'll show you what I mean , if you will give me leave ; for , with your fine figure and eyes , you ca n't help being an elegant woman . See , now , how I 'll make even this cap becoming . '' And Clara laid the delicate flowers among the blonde behind , where the effect was unmarred by the over-red cheeks , and nothing but a soft ruche lay over the dark hair in front . `` There , is n't that better ? '' she asked , with her own blooming face so full of interest it was a pleasure to see her . `` Infinitely better ; really becoming , and just what I want with my new silver-gray satin . Dear me , what a thing taste is ! '' And Mrs. Tower regarded herself with feminine satisfaction in her really fine eyes . Here a new arrival interrupted them , and Clara went to meet several girls belonging to what had lately been her own set . The young ladies did not quite know how to behave ; for , though it seemed perfectly natural to be talking over matters of dress with Clara , there was an air of proud humility about her that made them feel ill at ease , till Nellie , a lively , warm-hearted creature , broke the ice by saying , with a little quiver in her gay voice , -- `` It 's no use , girls ; we 've either got to laugh or cry , and I think , on the whole , it would be best for all parties to laugh , and then go on just as we used to do ; '' which she did so infectiously that the rest joined , and then began to chatter as freely as of old .
`` I speak for the opal silk , Clara , for papa has promised me a Worth dress , and I was green with envy when this came , '' cried XXXXX , secretly wishing she wore caps , that she might buy up the whole dozen .
Clara Nellie Tower figure forget-me-nots head-gear quiver ruche set wearer