`` Now she looks like other girls , and as I like to see her , '' Mrs. Clara was saying , with an air of great satisfaction . `` She does look like a fashionable young lady , but somehow I miss my little Rose , for children dressed like children in my day , '' answered Aunt Plenty , peering through her glasses with a troubled look , for she could not imagine the creature before her ever sitting in her lap , running to wait upon her , or making the house gay with a child 's blithe presence . `` Things have changed since your day , Aunt , and it takes time to get used to new ways . But you , Jessie , surely like this costume better than the dowdy things Rose has been wearing all summer . Now , be honest , and own you do , '' said Mrs. Clara , bent on being praised for her work . `` Well , dear to be quite honest , then , I think it is frightful , '' answered Mrs. Jessie , with a candour that caused revolving Rose to stop in dismay . `` Hear , hear , '' cried a deep voice , and with a general start the ladies became aware that the enemy was among them . Rose blushed up to her hat brim , and stood , looking , as she felt , like a fool , while Mrs. Clara hastened to explain . `` Of course , I do n't expect you to like it , Alec , but I do n't consider you a judge of what is proper and becoming for a young lady . Therefore , I have taken the liberty of providing a pretty street suit for Rose . She need not wear it if you object , for I know we promised to let you do what you liked with the poor dear for a year . '' `` It is a street costume , is it ? '' asked the Doctor , mildly . `` Do you know , I never should have guessed that it was meant for winter weather and brisk locomotion . Take a turn , Rosy , and let me see all its beauties and advantages . '' Rose tried to walk off with her usual free tread , but the under-skirt got in her way , the over-skirt was so tight she could not take a long step , and her boots made it impossible to carry herself perfectly erect . `` I have n't got used to it yet , '' she said , petulantly , kicking at her train , as she turned to toddle back again . `` Suppose a mad dog or a runaway horse was after you , could you get out of the way without upsetting , Colonel , '' asked the Doctor , with a twinkle in the eyes that were fixed on the rakish hat . `` Do n't think I could , but I 'll try , '' and Rose made a rush across the room . Her boot-heels caught on a rug , several strings broke , her hat tipped over her eyes , and she plunged promiscuously into a chair , where she sat laughing so infectiously that all but Mrs. Clara joined in her mirth .
`` I should say that a walking suit in which one could not walk , and a winter suit which exposes the throat , head , and feet to cold and damp , was rather a failure , Clara , especially as it has no beauty to reconcile one to its utter unfitness , '' said Dr. Alec , as he helped XXXXX undo her veil , adding , in a low tone , `` Nice thing for the eyes ; you 'll soon see spots when it 's off as well as when it 's on , and , by and by , be a case for an oculist . ''
Alec Doctor Jessie Rose boot-heels day locomotion over-skirt under-skirt year