There was such a clatter of tongues in the sewing-room that no one heard his tap at the door , so he pushed it open and took an observation . Aunt Plenty , Aunt Clara , and Aunt Jessie were all absorbed in gazing at Rose , who slowly revolved between them and the great mirror , in a full winter costume of the latest fashion . `` Bless my heart ! worse even than I expected , '' thought the Doctor , with an inward groan , for , to his benighted eyes , the girl looked like a trussed fowl , and the fine new dress had neither grace , beauty , nor fitness to recommend it . The suit was of two peculiar shades of blue , so arranged that patches of light and dark distracted the eye . The upper skirt was tied so lightly back that it was impossible to take a long step , and the under one was so loaded with plaited frills that it `` wobbled '' no other word will express it ungracefully , both fore and aft . A bunch of folds was gathered up just below the waist behind , and a great bow rode a-top . A small jacket of the same material was adorned with a high ruff at the back , and laid well open over the breast , to display some lace and a locket . Heavy fringes , bows , puffs , ruffles , and revers finished off the dress , making one 's head ache to think of the amount of work wasted , for not a single graceful line struck the eye , and the beauty of the material was quite lost in the profusion of ornament . A high velvet hat , audaciously turned up in front , with a bunch of pink roses and a sweeping plume , was cocked over one ear , and , with her curls braided into a club at the back of her neck , Rose 's head looked more like that of a dashing young cavalier than a modest little girl 's . High-heeled boots tilted her well forward , a tiny muff pinioned her arms , and a spotted veil , tied so closely over her face that her eyelashes were rumpled by it , gave the last touch of absurdity to her appearance . `` Now she looks like other girls , and as I like to see her , '' Mrs. Clara was saying , with an air of great satisfaction . `` She does look like a fashionable young lady , but somehow I miss my little Rose , for children dressed like children in my day , '' answered Aunt Plenty , peering through her glasses with a troubled look , for she could not imagine the creature before her ever sitting in her lap , running to wait upon her , or making the house gay with a child 's blithe presence . `` Things have changed since your day , Aunt , and it takes time to get used to new ways . But you , Jessie , surely like this costume better than the dowdy things Rose has been wearing all summer . Now , be honest , and own you do , '' said Mrs. Clara , bent on being praised for her work . `` Well , dear to be quite honest , then , I think it is frightful , '' answered Mrs. Jessie , with a candour that caused revolving Rose to stop in dismay . `` Hear , hear , '' cried a deep voice , and with a general start the ladies became aware that the enemy was among them . Rose blushed up to her hat brim , and stood , looking , as she felt , like a fool , while Mrs. Clara hastened to explain . `` Of course , I do n't expect you to like it , Alec , but I do n't consider you a judge of what is proper and becoming for a young lady .
Therefore , I have taken the liberty of providing a pretty street suit for XXXXX .
Alec Clara Jessie Rose day fringes locket revers ruff sewing-room