Laurie did not read all this while he watched her feed the peacocks , but he saw enough to satisfy and interest him , and carried away a pretty little picture of a bright-faced girl standing in the sunshine , which brought out the soft hue of her dress , the fresh color of her cheeks , the golden gloss of her hair , and made her a prominent figure in the pleasant scene . As they came up onto the stone plateau that crowns the hill , Amy waved her hand as if welcoming him to her favorite haunt , and said , pointing here and there , `` Do you remember the Cathedral and the Corso , the fishermen dragging their nets in the bay , and the lovely road to Villa Franca , Schubert 's Tower , just below , and best of all , that speck far out to sea which they say is Corsica ? '' `` I remember . It 's not much changed , '' he answered without enthusiasm . `` What Jo would give for a sight of that famous speck ! '' said Amy , feeling in good spirits and anxious to see him so also . `` Yes , '' was all he said , but he turned and strained his eyes to see the island which a greater usurper than even Napoleon now made interesting in his sight . `` Take a good look at it for her sake , and then come and tell me what you have been doing with yourself all this while , '' said Amy , seating herself , ready for a good talk . But she did not get it , for though he joined her and answered all her questions freely , she could only learn that he had roved about the Continent and been to Greece . So after idling away an hour , they drove home again , and having paid his respects to Mrs. Carrol , Laurie left them , promising to return in the evening . It must be recorded of Amy that she deliberately prinked that night . 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 , XXXXX looped her fleecy skirts with rosy clusters of azalea , and framed the white shoulders in delicate green vines .
Amy Corso English Flo Hebe-like Jo Tarlatan Tower coiffures usurper