`` There ! you see how it will be ; dress her in that boyish way and she will act like a boy . I do hate all these inventions of strong-minded women ! '' exclaimed Mrs. Clara , as Rose came back at a run . `` Ah , but you see some of these sensible inventions come from the brain of a fashionable modiste , who will make you more lovely , or what you value more ` stylish ' outside and comfortable within . Mrs. Van Tassel has been to Madame Stone , and is wearing a full suit of this sort . Van himself told me , when I asked how she was , that she had given up lying on the sofa , and was going about in a most astonishing way , considering her feeble health . '' `` You do n't say so ! Let me see that book a moment , '' and Aunt Clara examined the new patterns with a more respectful air , for if the elegant Mrs. Van Tassel wore these `` dreadful things '' it would never do to be left behind , in spite of her prejudices . Dr. Alec looked at Mrs. Jessie , and both smiled , for `` little Mum '' had been in the secret , and enjoyed it mightily . `` I thought that would settle it , '' he said with a nod . `` I did n't wait for Mrs. Van to lead the way , and for once in my life I have adopted a new fashion before Clara . My freedom suit is ordered , and you may see me playing tag with Rose and the boys before long , '' answered Mrs. Jessie , nodding back at him . Meantime Aunt Plenty was examining Rose 's costume , for the hat and sack were off , and the girl was eagerly explaining the new under-garments . `` See , auntie , all nice scarlet flannel , and a gay little petticoat , and long stockings , oh , so warm ! Phebe and I nearly died laughing when I put this rig on , but I like it ever so much . The dress is so comfortable , and does n't need any belt or sash , and I can sit without rumpling any trimming , that 's such a comfort ! I like to be tidy , and so , when I wear fussed-up things , I 'm thinking of my clothes all the time , and that 's tiresome . Do say you like it . I resolved I would , just to please uncle , for he does know more about health than anyone else , I 'm sure , and I 'd wear a bag if he asked me to do it . ''
`` I do n't ask that , XXXXX , but I wish you 'd weigh and compare the two suits , and then choose which seems best .
Clara Jessie Phebe Rose Stone Tassel Van left modiste petticoat