Time and absence had done its work on both the young people . She had seen her old friend in a new light , not as ` our boy ' , but as a handsome and agreeable man , and she was conscious of a very natural desire to find favor in his sight . Amy knew her good points , and made the most of them with the taste and skill which is a fortune to a poor and pretty woman . Tarlatan and tulle were cheap at Nice , so she enveloped herself in them on such occasions , and following the sensible English fashion of simple dress for young girls , got up charming little toilettes with fresh flowers , a few trinkets , and all manner of dainty devices , which were both inexpensive and effective . It must be confessed that the artist sometimes got possession of the woman , and indulged in antique coiffures , statuesque attitudes , and classic draperies . But , dear heart , we all have our little weaknesses , and find it easy to pardon such in the young , who satisfy our eyes with their comeliness , and keep our hearts merry with their artless vanities . `` I do want him to think I look well , and tell them so at home , '' said Amy to herself , as she put on Flo 's old white silk ball dress , and covered it with a cloud of fresh illusion , out of which her white shoulders and golden head emerged with a most artistic effect . Her hair she had the sense to let alone , after gathering up the thick waves and curls into a Hebe-like knot at the back of her head . `` It 's not the fashion , but it 's becoming , and I ca n't afford to make a fright of myself , '' she used to say , when advised to frizzle , puff , or braid , as the latest style commanded . Having no ornaments fine enough for this important occasion , Amy looped her fleecy skirts with rosy clusters of azalea , and framed the white shoulders in delicate green vines . Remembering the painted boots , she surveyed her white satin slippers with girlish satisfaction , and chassed down the room , admiring her aristocratic feet all by herself . `` My new fan just matches my flowers , my gloves fit to a charm , and the real lace on Aunt 's mouchoir gives an air to my whole dress . If I only had a classical nose and mouth I should be perfectly happy , '' she said , surveying herself with a critical eye and a candle in each hand . In spite of this affliction , she looked unusually gay and graceful as she glided away . She seldom ran -- it did not suit her style , she thought , for being tall , the stately and Junoesque was more appropriate than the sportive or piquante . She walked up and down the long saloon while waiting for Laurie , and once arranged herself under the chandelier , which had a good effect upon her hair , then she thought better of it , and went away to the other end of the room , as if ashamed of the girlish desire to have the first view a propitious one . It so happened that she could not have done a better thing , for Laurie came in so quietly she did not hear him , and as she stood at the distant window , with her head half turned and one hand gathering up her dress , the slender , white figure against the red curtains was as effective as a well-placed statue . `` Good evening , Diana ! '' said Laurie , with the look of satisfaction she liked to see in his eyes when they rested on her . `` Good evening , Apollo ! ''
she answered , smiling back at him , for he too looked unusually debonair , and the thought of entering the ballroom on the arm of such a personable man caused XXXXX to pity the four plain Misses Davis from the bottom of her heart .
Amy English Hebe-like Junoesque Laurie coiffures comeliness first mouchoir toilettes