If you wo n't let me have this , you must invent me the most becoming thing ever seen ; for the most effective dress I had last winter was the gold-colored one with the wreath of laburnums , which you chose for me , '' persisted Nellie , bound to help in some way . `` I bespeak something sweet for New Year 's Day . You know my style , '' said another young lady , privately resolving to buy the opal dress , when the rest had gone . `` Consider yourself engaged to get up my bridesmaids ' costumes , for I never shall forget what a lovely effect those pale green dresses produced at Alice 's wedding . She looked like a lily among its leaves , some one said , and you suggested them , I remember , '' added a third damsel , with the dignity of a bride-elect . So it went on , each doing what she could to help , not with condolence , but approbation , and the substantial aid that is so easy to accept when gilded by kind words and cheery sympathy . A hard winter , but a successful one ; and when spring came , and all her patrons were fitted out for mountains , seaside , or springs , Clara folded her weary hands content . But Mrs. Barlow saw with anxiety how pale the girl 's cheeks had grown , how wistfully she eyed the green grass in the park , and how soon the smile died on the lips that tried to say cheerfully , -- `` No , mamma , dear , I dare not spend in a summer trip the little sum I have laid by for the hard times that may come . I shall do very well , but I ca n't help remembering the happy voyage we meant to make this year , and how much good it would do you . '' Watching the unselfish life of her daughter had taught Mrs. Barlow to forget her own regrets , inspired her with a desire to do her part , and made her ashamed of her past indolence . Happening to mention her maternal anxieties to Mrs. Tower , that good lady suggested a plan by which the seemingly impossible became a fact , and Mrs. Barlow had the pleasure of surprising Clara with a `` bright idea , '' as the girl had once surprised her . `` Come , dear , bestir yourself , for we must sail in ten days to pass our summer in or near Paris . I 've got commissions enough to pay our way , and we can unite business and pleasure in the most charming manner . '' Clara could only clasp her hands and listen , as her mother unfolded her plan , telling how she was to get Maud 's trousseau , all Mrs. Tower 's winter costumes , and a long list of smaller commissions from friends and patrons who had learned to trust and value the taste and judgment of the young modiste . So Clara had her summer trip , and came home bright and blooming in the early autumn , ready to take up her pretty trade again , quite unconscious that , while trying to make others beautiful , she was making her own life a very lovely one . VIII . HOW THEY CAMPED OUT . `` It looks so much like snow I think it would be wiser to put off your sleighing party , Gwen , '' said Mrs. Arnold , looking anxiously out at the heavy sky and streets still drifted by the last winter storm . `` Not before night , mamma ; we do n't mind its being cloudy , we like it , because the sun makes the snow so dazzling when we get out of town . `` We ca n't give it up now , for here comes Patrick with the boys . ''
And XXXXX ran down to welcome the big sleigh , which just then drove up with four jolly lads skirmishing about inside .
Alice Barlow Clara Gwen Nellie Patrick approbation days modiste night