She was very kind to me . I had a green silk , and it looked so cheap and horrid by the side of the nice dresses here I felt regularly unhappy about it , and asked her how much a dress like one Mrs Laurence had would cost . That looked so simple and elegant I thought it would n't be costly ; but it was India mull and Valenciennes lace , so , of course , I could n't have it . Then Mrs Brooke said : `` Get some muslin to cover the green silk , and wear hops or some white flowers , instead of pink , in your hair , and you will have a pretty suit . '' Is n't it lovely and becoming ? ' And Miss Burton surveyed herself with girlish satisfaction ; for a little taste had softened the harsh green , and hop-bells became her red hair better than roses . ` It 's sweet : I 've been admiring it . I 'll do mine so and ask about my purple one . Mrs Brooke has helped me to get rid of my headaches , and Mary Clay 's dyspepsia is all gone since she gave up coffee and hot bread . ' ` Mrs Laurence advised me to walk and run and use the gymnasium to cure my round shoulders and open my chest , and I 'm a much better figure than I was . ' ` Did you know that Mr Laurence pays all Amelia Merrill 's bills ? Her father failed , and she was heartbroken at having to leave college ; but that splendid man just stepped in and made it all right . ' ` Yes , and Professor Bhaer has several of the boys down at his house evenings to help them along so they can keep up with the rest ; and Mrs Bhaer took care of Charles Mackey herself when he had a fever last year . I do think they are the best and kindest people in the world . ' ` So do I , and my time here will be the happiest and most useful years of my life . ' And both girls forgot their gowns and their suppers for a moment to look with grateful , affectionate eyes at the friends who tried to care for bodies and for souls as well as minds . Now come to a lively party supping on the stairs , girls like foam at the top , and a substratum of youths below , where the heaviest particles always settle . Emil , who never sat if he could climb or perch , adorned the newel-post ; Tom , Nat , Demi , and Dan were camped on the steps , eating busily , as their ladies were well served and they had earned a moment 's rest , which they enjoyed with their eyes fixed on the pleasing prospect above them . ` I 'm so sorry the boys are going . It will be dreadfully dull without them .
Now they have stopped teasing and are polite , I really enjoy them , ' said Nan , who felt unusually gracious tonight as XXXXX 's mishap kept him from annoying her .
Burton Clay Emil India Mackey Tom Valenciennes dyspepsia evenings newel-post