Like a ray of sunshine the kind thought touched and brightened every face ; envy , impatience , vanity , and discontent flew away like imps at the coming of the good fairy , and with one accord they all cried , -- `` It will be lovely ; let us go and tell her ! '' Forgetting their own adornment , out they trooped after Merry , who ran to the sofa , saying , with a smile which was reflected in all the other faces , `` Jill , dear , we have chosen another Princess , and I know you 'll like her . '' `` Who is it ? '' asked Jill , languidly , opening her eyes without the least suspicion of the truth . `` I 'll show you ; '' and taking the cherished veil from her own head , Merry dropped it like a soft cloud over Jill ; Annette added the long plume , Susy laid the white silk dress about her , while Juliet and Mabel lifted the scarlet shawl to spread it over the foot of the sofa , and Molly tore the last ornament from her turban , a silver star , to shine on Jill 's breast . Then they all took hands and danced round the couch , singing , as they laughed at her astonishment , `` There she is ! There she is ! Princess Jill as fine as you please ! `` Do you really mean it ? But can I ? Is it fair ? How sweet of you ! Come here and let me hug you all ! '' cried Jill , in a rapture at the surprise , and the pretty way in which it was done . The grand scene on the Twenty-second was very fine , indeed ; but the little tableau of that minute was infinitely better , though no one saw it , as Jill tried to gather them all in her arms , for that nosegay of girlish faces was the sweeter , because each one had sacrificed her own little vanity to please a friend , and her joy was reflected in the eyes that sparkled round the happy Princess . `` Oh , you dear , kind things , to think of me and give me all your best clothes ! I never shall forget it , and I 'll do anything for you . Yes ! I 'll write and ask Mrs. Piper to lend us her ermine cloak for the king . See if I do n't ! ''
Shrieks of delight hailed this noble offer , for no one had dared to borrow the much-coveted mantle , but all agreed that the old lady would not refuse XXXXX .
Jill Juliet Mabel Merry Piper Susy Twenty-second adornment ermine minute