I had no plan then. It was not until the next afternoon
that the thing sprung (sprang?) full-pannoplied from the head of
Jove.
The evening was rather dreary. The family was going out,
but not until nine thirty, and mother and Leila went over my
clothes. They sat, Sis in pink chiffon and mother in black and
silver, and Hannah took out my things and held them up. I was
obliged to silently sit by, while my rags and misery were
exposed.
"Why this open humiliation?" I demanded at last. "I am the
family Cinderella, I admit it. But it isn't necessary to lay so
much emphacis on it, is it?"
"Don't be sarcastic, Barbara," said mother. "You are still
only a Child, and a very untidy Child at that. What do you do
with your elbows to rub them through so? It must have taken
patience and aplication."
"Mother" I said, "am I to have the party dresses?"
"Two. Very simple."
"Low in the neck?"
"Certainly not. A small v, perhaps."
"I've got a good neck." She rose impressively.
"You amaze and shock me, Barbara," she said coldly.
"I shouldn't have to wear tulle around my shoulders to hide
the bones!" I retorted.
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