ELSIE DINSMORE Complete Series: 28 Books in One Edition. Martha Finley

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СКАЧАТЬ I have never had one, you know; for papa's stepmother would never own me for her grandchild; but you seem to be the very one I have always longed for."

      "Thank you, dear," and Miss Stanhope sighed, slightly. "Had your own grandmother, my sweet and dear sister Eva, been spared to this time, you would have had one to love and be proud of. Now, do you want to take a siesta? you must feel tired after this morning's long tramp, I should think, and I want you to be very bright and fresh to-night, that it may not harm you if you should happen to be kept up a little later than usual. You see I want to take such care of you, that when your father comes he can see only improvement in you, and feel willing to let me have you again some day."

      "Thank you, you dear old auntie!" Elsie answered, giving her a hug. "I'm sure even he could hardly be more kindly careful of me than you are. But I am not very tired, and sitting in an easy-chair will give me all the rest I need. Haven't you some work for me? I've done nothing but enjoy myself in the most idle fashion all day."

      "No, my sewing's all done now that the shirts are finished. But I must lie down whether you will or not. I can't do without my afternoon nap."

      "Yes, do, auntie; and I shall begin to-morrow's letter to papa; finishing it in the morning with an account of the party."

      She was busy with her writing when Lottie burst in upon her.

      "I ran in," she said, "to propose that we all go over there together, and to ask you to come into our house when you're dressed. Nettie and I are going to try a new style of doing up our hair, and we want your opinion about its becomingness."

      "I'll be happy to give it for what it is worth."

      "By the way, I admire your style extremely; but of course no one could imitate it who was not blessed with a heavy suit of natural curls. You always wear it one way, don't you?"

      "Yes, papa likes it so, but until within the last year, he would not let me have it in a comb at all."

      She wore it now gathered into a loose knot behind, and falling over a comb, in a rich mass of shining curls, while in front it waved and rippled above her white forehead, or fell over it, in soft, tiny, golden brown rings.

      "It is so beautiful!" continued Lottie, passing her hand caressingly over it; "and so is its wearer. Oh, if I were only a gentleman!"

      "You don't wish it," said Elsie, laughing. "I don't believe a real, womanly woman ever does."

      "You don't, hey? Well, I must go; for I've a lot to do to Lot King's wearing apparel. Adieu, mon cher. Nay, don't disturb yourself to come to the door."

      Elsie came down to tea ready dressed for the evening, in simple white, with a white rose in her hair.

      "I like your taste in dress, child," said Aunt Wealthy, regarding her with affectionate admiration. "The rose in your hair is lovely, and you seem to me like a fresh, fair, sweet flower, yourself."

      "Ah, how pleasant it is to be loved, auntie, for love always sees through rose-colored spectacles," answered the young girl gayly.

      "I promised Lottie to run in there for a moment to give my opinion about their appearance," she said, as they rose from the table. "I'll not be gone long; and they're to come in and go with us."

      She found her friends in the midst of their hair-dressing.

      "Isn't it a bore?" cried Lottie. "How fortunate you are in never having to do this for yourself."

      "Why," said Elsie, "I was just admiring your independence, and feeling ashamed of my own helplessness."

      "Did you ever try it," asked Nettie; "doing your own hair, I mean?"

      "No, never."

      "Did you ever dress yourself?"

      "No, I own that I have never so much as put on my own shoes and stockings," Elsie answered with a blush, really mortified at the thought.

      "Well, it is rather nice to be able to help yourself," remarked Lottie complacently. "There! mine's done; what do you think of it, Miss Dinsmore?"

      "That it is very pretty and extremely becoming. Girls, mammy will dress your hair for you at any time, if you wish."

      "Oh, a thousand thanks!" exclaimed Nettie. "Do you think she would be willing to come over and do mine now? I really can't get it to suit me, and I know Lot wants to put on her dress."

      "Yes, I'll go back and send her."

      "Oh, no; don't go yet; can't we send for her?"

      "That would do; but I told Aunt Wealthy I wouldn't stay long; so I think I'd better go. Perhaps I can be of use to her."

      "I don't believe she'll need any help with her toilet," said Lottie, "she does it all her own way; but I daresay she grudges every minute of your company. I know I should. Isn't she sweet and lovely, and good as she can be?" she added to her sister as Elsie left the room.

      "Yes, and how tastefully she dresses; everything is rich and beautiful, yet so simply elegant; what magnificent lace she wears, and what jewelry; yet not a bit too much of either."

      "And she knows all about harmony of colors, and what suits her style; though I believe she would look well in anything."

      There was a communicating gate between Dr. King's grounds and Miss Stanhope's, and Elsie gained her aunt's house by crossing the two gardens. As she stepped upon the porch, she saw Mr. Egerton standing before the door.

      "Good-evening, Miss Dinsmore," he said, bowing and smiling. "I was just about to ring; but I presume that is not necessary now."

      "No, not at all. Walk into the parlor, and help yourself to a seat. And if you will please excuse me I shall be there in a moment."

      "I came to ask if I might have the pleasure of escorting you to the party," he said laughingly, as she returned from giving Chloe her directions, and asking if her aunt needed any assistance.

      "Thank you; but you are taking unnecessary trouble," she answered gayly, "since it is only across the street, and there are four of us to keep each other company."

      "The Misses King are going with you?"

      "Yes; they are not quite ready yet; but it is surely too early to think of going?"

      "A little; but Mrs. Schilling is anxious to see you as soon as possible; particularly as she understands there is no hope of keeping you after ten o'clock. Do you really always observe such early hours?"

      "As a rule, yes. I believe the medical authorities agree that it is the way to retain one's youth and health."

      "And beauty," he added, with an admiring glance at her blooming face.

      * * * * *

      "I do believe we shall be almost the first; very unfashionably early," remarked Nettie King, as their little party crossed the street.

      "We are not the first, I have seen several go in," rejoined Aunt Wealthy, as Mr. Egerton held open the gate for them to pass in.

      Mrs. Schilling in gay attire, streamers flying, cheeks glowing, and eyes beaming with delight, met them СКАЧАТЬ