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 Nellie , secretly wishing she wore caps , that she might buy up the whole dozen . `` You would be green with disgust if I let you have it , for no brunette could wear that most trying of colors , and I was rash to order it . You are very good , dear Nell , but I wo n't let you sacrifice yourself to friendship in that heroic style , '' answered Clara , with a grateful kiss . `` But the others are blue and lilac , both more trying than anything with a shade of pink in it .
If you wo n't let me have this , you must invent me the most becoming thing ever seen ; for the most effective dress I had last winter was the gold-colored one with the wreath of laburnums , which you chose for me , '' persisted XXXXX , bound to help in some way .
Clara Nell Nellie Tower brunette ladies lilac quiver ruche wearer