Work to home till they marry , and do n't go gaddin ' ` round gettin ' their heads full of foolish notions , and forgettin ' all the useful things their mothers taught 'em . '' Aunt Plumy glanced at Ruth as she spoke , and a sudden color in the girl 's cheeks proved that the words hit certain ambitious fancies of this pretty daughter of the house of Basset . `` They shall do their parts and not be a trouble ; I 'll see to that , for you certainly are the dearest aunt in the world to let me take possession of you and yours in this way , '' cried Sophie , embracing the old lady with warmth . Saul wished the embrace could be returned by proxy , as his mother 's hands were too floury to do more than hover affectionately round the delicate face that looked so fresh and young beside her wrinkled one . As it could not be done , he fled temptation and `` hitched up '' without delay . The three women laid their heads together in his absence , and Sophie 's plan grew apace , for Ruth longed to see a real novelist and a fine lady , and Aunt Plumy , having plans of her own to further , said `` Yes , dear , '' to every suggestion . Great was the arranging and adorning that went on that day in the old farmhouse , for Sophie wanted her friends to enjoy this taste of country pleasures , and knew just what additions would be indispensable to their comfort ; what simple ornaments would be in keeping with the rustic stage on which she meant to play the part of prima donna . Next day a telegram arrived accepting the invitation , for both the lady and the lion . They would arrive that afternoon , as little preparation was needed for this impromptu journey , the novelty of which was its chief charm to these blasé people . Saul wanted to get out the double sleigh and span , for he prided himself on his horses , and a fall of snow came most opportunely to beautify the landscape and add a new pleasure to Christmas festivities . But Sophie declared that the old yellow sleigh , with Punch , the farm-horse , must be used , as she wished everything to be in keeping ; and Saul obeyed , thinking he had never seen anything prettier than his cousin when she appeared in his mother 's old-fashioned camlet cloak and blue silk pumpkin hood . He looked remarkably well himself in his fur coat , with hair and beard brushed till they shone like spun gold , a fresh color in his cheek , and the sparkle of amusement in his eyes , while excitement gave his usually grave face the animation it needed to be handsome . Away they jogged in the creaking old sleigh , leaving Ruth to make herself pretty , with a fluttering heart , and Aunt Plumy to dish up a late dinner fit to tempt the most fastidious appetite . `` She has not come for us , and there is not even a stage to take us up . There must be some mistake , '' said Emily Herrick , as she looked about the shabby little station where they were set down . `` That is the never-to-be-forgotten face of our fair friend , but the bonnet of her grandmother , if my eyes do not deceive me , '' answered Randal , turning to survey the couple approaching in the rear . `` Sophie Vaughan , what do you mean by making such a guy of yourself ? '' exclaimed Emily , as she kissed the smiling face in the hood and stared at the quaint cloak . `` I 'm dressed for my part , and I intend to keep it up . This is our host , my cousin , Saul Basset .
Come to the sleigh at once , he will see to your luggage , '' said Sophie , painfully conscious of the antiquity of her array as her eyes rested on XXXXX 's pretty hat and mantle , and the masculine elegance of Randal 's wraps .
Emily Herrick Plumy Saul day farm-horse gaddin gettin prima sleigh