|
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 15
"You can! I'll prove so manageable and docile, you'll scarcely
know me!"
So, having flown her colours, Patty wagged her head sagaciously as
Mona went away. "I think, Miss Fairfield," she observed to her
reflection in a gold-garlanded mirror, "that you're in for a
pleasant summer. Firmness tempered with kindness must be your
plan; and I'm pretty sure you can, in that way, manage Mona
without friction."
Humming snatches of song to herself, Patty continued to explore
her new domain. The rose-coloured boudoir opened into a dainty
bedroom done in white and gold. Everywhere white silk or lace
curtains were looped back with Frenchy pink satin rosebuds, and
the gilded furniture, with its embroidered satin cushions, made
the room look fit for a princess. Patty laughed with glee, for she
loved dainty prettiness and this was a novel change from her own
simpler belongings.
From the bedroom she went on to the dressing-room and bathroom;
the former replete with all known appurtenances to Milady's
toilette, and the latter a bewildering vista of marble, silver,
and glass.
Dinner was a gay little feast. Although Patty had dined once or
twice before at "Red Chimneys," it had been with her parents at
formal dinners, and they had been examples of the unrestrained
elegance which Mr. Galbraith deemed the correct way of displaying
his wealth.
The Fairfields had assumed that the overelaborateness was due to
the festive occasion, but Patty now perceived that the same
formality of service was observed with only the two girls at the
table. And the menu was long and varied enough to have served a
dinner party.
Of course, it all appealed to Patty's sense of humour, but as it
was Mona's habit to dine under the supervision of three or four
serving-men, Patty was quite willing to accept the situation
placidly. The servants, however, were no bar to their gay chatter.
Except that they did not refer to the expected temporary chaperon,
they discussed all the details of the evening's party.
Many of the courses of the dinner they dismissed without tasting,
and so, by half-past seven, Patty was back in her own rooms, and
Mrs. Hastings appeared promptly at the hour. A maid named Janet
had been appointed to look after Patty personally, but she was
dismissed, with instructions to return at eight, and then Patty
began her transformation scene.
It was not accomplished without some few difficulties, and much
giggling, but by eight o'clock, Patty and Mona surveyed a most
acceptable looking chaperon, due to their own handiwork. Susan, or
Mrs. Hastings, as they called her, looked the picture of a kindly,
dignified matron. Her grey hair was done in a simple, becoming
fashion, and ornamented with a spray of silver tinsel leaves. The
grey satin gown of Mrs. Allen's, which Patty had appropriated
without compunction, fitted fairly well, and a fichu of old lace,
prettily draped, concealed any deficiencies. Though possessing no
elegance of manner, Susan had quiet ways, and being observant by
nature, she remembered the demeanour of ladies she had worked for,
and carried herself so well that Patty and Mona were satisfied as
to her ability to carry out their purpose.
Patty provided Mrs. Hastings with a black feather fan, and gave
her a quick lesson in the art of using it. The piece of white
knitting work proved satisfactory on inspection, and after a few
final injunctions, Patty pronounced the "chaperon" complete.
Then she called for Janet, and hastily proceeded to make her own
toilette. She chose a white silk muslin, dotted with tiny pink
rosebuds, and further ornamented with fluttering ends of pale pink
ribbon. The frock was cut a little low at the throat, and had
short sleeves, and very cool and sweet Patty looked in it. Her
gold curls were piled high on her head, and kept there by a twist
of pink ribbon. She wore no jewelry, and the simple attire was
very becoming to the soft, babyish curves of her neck and dimpled
arms.
Mona appeared in rose-coloured chiffon, richly embroidered. The
gown, though beautiful of itself, was not appropriate for such a
warm night; but Mona had not Patty's sense of harmony, and had
added a heavy necklace and bracelets of wrought Roman gold.
Previous Page
| Next Page
|
|