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 Rose 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 . '' `` No beauty ! '' cried Mrs. Clara , warmly , `` Now , that is just a man 's blindness . This is the best of silk and camel 's hair , real ostrich feathers , and an expensive ermine muff . What could be in better taste , or more proper for a young girl ? '' `` I 'll shew you , if Rose will go to her room and oblige me by putting on what she finds there , '' answered the Doctor , with unexpected readiness . `` Alec , if it is a Bloomer , I shall protest . I 've been expecting it , but I know I can not bear to see that pretty child sacrificed to your wild ideas of health . Tell me it is n't a Bloomer ! ''
and Mrs. XXXXX clasped her hands imploringly .
Alec Clara Rose boot-heels locomotion oculist over-skirt under-skirt unfitness year