`` Suppose a mad dog or a runaway horse was after you , could you get out of the way without upsetting , Colonel , '' asked the Doctor , with a twinkle in the eyes that were fixed on the rakish hat . `` Do n't think I could , but I 'll try , '' and Rose made a rush across the room . Her boot-heels caught on a rug , several strings broke , her hat tipped over her eyes , and she plunged promiscuously into a chair , where she sat laughing so infectiously that all but Mrs. Clara joined in her mirth . `` I should say that a walking suit in which one could not walk , and a winter suit which exposes the throat , head , and feet to cold and damp , was rather a failure , Clara , especially as it has no beauty to reconcile one to its utter unfitness , '' said Dr. Alec , as he helped Rose undo her veil , adding , in a low tone , `` Nice thing for the eyes ; you 'll soon see spots when it 's off as well as when it 's on , and , by and by , be a case for an oculist . '' `` No beauty ! '' cried Mrs. Clara , warmly , `` Now , that is just a man 's blindness . This is the best of silk and camel 's hair , real ostrich feathers , and an expensive ermine muff . What could be in better taste , or more proper for a young girl ? '' `` I 'll shew you , if Rose will go to her room and oblige me by putting on what she finds there , '' answered the Doctor , with unexpected readiness . `` Alec , if it is a Bloomer , I shall protest . I 've been expecting it , but I know I can not bear to see that pretty child sacrificed to your wild ideas of health . Tell me it is n't a Bloomer ! '' and Mrs. Clara clasped her hands imploringly . `` It is not . '' `` Thank Heaven ! '' and she resigned herself with a sigh of relief , adding plaintively , `` I did hope you 'd accept my suit , for poor Rose has been afflicted with frightful clothes long enough to spoil the taste of any girl . '' `` You talk of my afflicting the child , and then make a helpless guy like that of her ! '' answered the Doctor , pointing to the little fashion plate that was scuttling out of sight as fast as it could go . He closed the door with a shrug , but before anyone could speak , his quick eye fell upon an object which caused him to frown , and demand in an indignant tone , `` After all I have said , were you really going to tempt my girl with those abominable things ? '' `` I thought we put them away when she would n't wear them , '' murmured Mrs. Clara , whisking a little pair of corsets out of sight with guilty haste .
`` I only brought them to try , for Rose is growing stout , and will have no figure if it is not attended to soon , '' she added , with an air of calm conviction that roused the XXXXX still more , for this was one of his especial abominations .
Alec Bloomer Clara Doctor Rose boot-heels corsets ermine oculist unfitness