I imagined Sidney at the Greaves ' , talking to Mrs. Rennie with that velvety smile in his eyes . I could see her , graceful and white , in her trailing , clinging gown , with diamonds about her smooth neck and in her hair . I suddenly wondered what I would look like in evening dress with my hair up . I wondered if Sidney would like me in it . All at once I got up and rushed to Sue 's room . I lighted the gas , rummaged , and went to work . I piled my hair on top of my head , pinned it there , and thrust a long silver dagger through it to hold a couple of pale white roses she had left on her table . Then I put on her last winter 's party dress . It was such a pretty pale yellow thing , with touches of black lace , and it did n't matter about its being a little old-fashioned , since it fitted me like a glove . Finally I stepped back and looked at myself . I saw a woman in that glass ... a tall , straight creature with crimson cheeks and glowing eyes ... and the thought in my mind was so insistent that it said itself aloud : `` Oh , I wish Sidney could see me now ! '' At that very moment the maid knocked at the door to tell me that Mr. Elliot was downstairs asking for me . I did not hesitate a second . With my heart beating wildly I trailed downstairs to Sidney . He was standing by the fireplace when I went in , and looked very tired . When he heard me he turned his head and our eyes met . All at once a terrible thing happened ... at least , I thought it a terrible thing then . I knew why I had wanted Sidney to realize that I was no longer a child . It was because I loved him ! I knew it the moment I saw that strange , new expression leap into his eyes .
`` Cornelia , '' he said XXXXX a stunned sort of voice .
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