|
Main
- books.jibble.org
My Books
- IRC Hacks
Misc. Articles
- Meaning of Jibble
- M4 Su Doku
- Computer Scrapbooking
- Setting up Java
- Bootable Java
- Cookies in Java
- Dynamic Graphs
- Social Shakespeare
External Links
- Paul Mutton
- Jibble Photo Gallery
- Jibble Forums
- Google Landmarks
- Jibble Shop
- Free Books
- Intershot Ltd
|
books.jibble.org
Previous Page
| Next Page
Page 30
That night, the four young girls, in their party finery, sat waiting in
the Harlowe's drawing room for their escorts--David, Hippy and Reddy. Anne
wore the pink crepe de chine which had done duty at Mrs. Gray's house
party the previous winter. Grace wore an exquisite gown of pale blue silk
made in a simple, girlish fashion that set her off to perfection. Nora was
gowned in lavender and wore a corsage bouquet of violets that had
mysteriously arrived that afternoon, and that everyone present suspected
Hippy of sending. Jessica's gown was of white organdie, trimmed with tiny
butterfly medallions and valenciennes lace.
In spite of the possibility that she and Anne might be the subject of
unpleasant comment, Grace made up her mind to enjoy herself. She was fond
of dancing, and knew that she would have plenty of invitations to do so.
David would look after Anne, who was not yet proficient enough in dancing
to venture to try it in public.
"If only Miriam and Julia Crosby behave themselves!" she thought, "for, of
course, Julia will be there. Miriam will see that she gets an invitation."
Grace thrilled with pride as she entered the gymnasium. How beautifully it
had been decorated and how well everything looked. She was so sorry that
the girls had seen fit to leave her out of it all. Then she remembered her
resolution to forget all differences and just have a good time.
Miriam, gowned in apricot messaline trimmed with silver, was in the
receiving line with half a dozen other sophomores. Grace and her party
would be obliged to exchange civilities with the enemy. She wondered what
Miriam would do. David solved this problem for her by taking charge of the
situation. Walking straight up to Miriam, he said a few words to her in a
low tone. She flushed slightly, looked a trifle defiant then greeted the
girls coldly, but with civility. The other sophomores followed her
example, but Grace breathed a sigh of relief as they walked over to where
Mrs. Gray, in a wonderful black satin gown, sat among the patronesses.
"My dear children, I am so glad to see all of you!" exclaimed the
sprightly old lady. "How fine all my girls look. You are like a bouquet of
flowers. Grace is a bluebell, Anne is a dear little clove pink, Nora is a
whole bunch of violets and Jessica looks like a white narcissus."
"Where do we come in?" asked David, smiling at Mrs. Gray's pretty
comparison.
"Allow me to answer that question," said Hippy. "You are like the tall and
graceful burdock. Reddy resembles the common, but much-admired sheep
sorrel, while I am like that tender little flower, the forget-me-not.
Having once seen me, is it possible to forget me!" He struck an attitude
and looked languishingly at Nora.
"I'll forget you forever if you look at me like that," threatened Nora.
"Never again," said Hippy hastily. "Bear witness, all of you, that my
expression has changed."
Just then the first notes of the waltz "Amoreuse" rang out, and the
gymnasium floor was soon filled with High School boys and girls dressed in
their best party attire. The dances followed each other in rapid
succession until supper was announced. This was served at small tables by
the town caterer.
Mrs. Gray and her adopted children occupied two tables near together and
had a merry time. Many curious glances were cast in their direction by the
other members of the sophomore class.
Some of the girls wondered whether it was a good thing to cut Anne
Pierson's acquaintance. She was certainly a friend of Mrs. Gray, and Mrs.
Gray was one of the most influential women in Oakdale. Frances Fuller, a
worldly-minded sophomore, dared to intimate as much to Miriam Nesbit, who
replied loftily:
"If Mrs. Gray knew as much about Miss Pierson as we do, she would probably
not care for her any longer."
"It's a pity some one doesn't tell her," said Julia Crosby, ever ready for
mischief.
"Oh, some one will have the courage yet," answered Miriam, "and when she
does, that will end everything as far as Miss Pierson is concerned. Mrs.
Gray can't endure anything dishonorable."
Just then a young man claimed Miriam for the two-step about to begin, and
Julia wandered off, leaving Frances to digest what had been said. The more
the latter thought about it, the more she felt that Mrs. Gray ought to be
warned against Anne. She decided that she had the courage; that it was
her duty to do so.
Previous Page
| Next Page
|
|