It would have been impossible for the primmest , the sourest , or the most sensible creature in the world to say that it was n't a pretty sight . The long train , the big chignon , the apology for a bonnet , were all ridiculous , -- no one could deny that , -- but youth , beauty , and a happy heart made even those absurdities charming . The erect young figure gave an air to the crisp folds of the delicate dress ; the bright eyes and fresh cheeks under the lace rosette made one forget its size ; and the rippling brown hair won admiration in spite of the ugly bunch which disfigured the girl 's head . The little jacket set `` divinely , '' the new gloves were as immaculate as white kids could be , and to crown all , Lizzie King , in a burst of generosity , lent Kitty the blue and white Paris sunshade which she could n't use herself . `` Now I could die content ; I 'm perfect in all respects , and I know Jack wo n't be ashamed of me . I really owe it to him to look my best , you know , and that 's why I 'm so particular , '' said Kitty , in an apologetic tone , as she began to lay away her finery . `` I hope you will enjoy every minute of the time , deary . Do n't forget to finish running up the facing ; I 've basted it carefully , and would do it if my head did n't ache so , I really ca n't hold it up any longer , '' answered Pris , who had worked like a disinterested bee , while Kitty had flown about like a distracted butterfly . `` Go and lie down , you dear , kind soul , and do n't think of my nonsense again , '' said Kitty , feeling remorseful , till Pris was comfortably asleep , when she went to her room and revelled in her finery till bedtime . So absorbed was she in learning to manage her train gracefully , that she forgot the facing till very late . Then , being worn out with work and worry , she did , what girls are too apt to do , stuck a pin here and there , and , trusting to Priscilla 's careful bastings , left it as it was , retiring to dream of a certain Horace Fletcher , whose aristocratic elegance had made a deep impression upon her during the few evenings she had seen him . Nothing could have been lovelier than the morning , and few hearts happier than Kitty 's , as she arrayed herself with the utmost care , and waited in solemn state for the carriage ; for muslin trains and dewy roads were incompatible , and one luxury brought another . `` My goodness , where did she get that stylish suit ? '' whispered Miss Smith to Miss Jones , as Kitty floated into the station with all sail set , finding it impossible to resist the temptation to astonish certain young ladies who had snubbed her in times past , which snubs had rankled , and were now avenged . `` I looked everywhere for a muslin for to-day and could n't find any I liked , so I was forced to wear my mauve silk , '' observed Miss Smith , complacently settling the silvery folds of her dress . `` It 's very pretty , but one ruins a silk at Class Day , you know . I thought this organdie would be more comfortable and appropriate this warm day . A friend brought it from Paris , and it 's like one the Princess of Wales wore at the great flower-show this year , '' returned Kitty , with the air of a young lady who had all her dresses from Paris , and was intimately acquainted with the royal family . `` Those girls '' were entirely extinguished by this stroke , and had n't a word to say for themselves , while Kitty casually mentioned Horace Fletcher , Lyceum Hall , and Cousin Jack , for they had only a little Freshman brother to boast of , and were not going to Lyceum Hall . As she stepped out of the cars at Cambridge , Jack opened his honest blue eyes and indulged in a low whistle of astonishment : for if there was anything he especially hated , it was the trains , chignons and tiny bonnets then in fashion .
He was very fond of XXXXX , and prided himself on being able to show his friends a girl who was charming , and yet not over-dressed .
Cambridge King Kitty Pris Smith bastings chignons day deary finery