Batty's mouth--would not be giving a ball at all, but they had their
eyes on Miss Henrietta for that half-witted son of theirs. She was
sure of it. And Miss Caroline was not fit to go, it would be the death
of her. Cook was optimistic. It would do Miss Caroline good; she was
always the better for a little fun.
The elder ladies breakfasted in bed to save themselves all unnecessary
fatigue, and throughout the day they moved behind half-lowered blinds.
Henrietta was warned not to walk out. There was a cold wind, her face
would be roughened; and when she insisted on air and exercise she was
advised to wear a thick veil. Both ladies offered her a shawl-like
covering for the face, but Henrietta shook her head. 'Feel,' she said,
lifting a hand of each to either cheek.
'Like a flower,' Sophia said.
'The wind doesn't hurt flowers. It won't hurt me.'
Fires were lighted in the bedroom earlier than usual. Caroline and
Sophia again retired to their room, leaving orders that they were not
to be disturbed until four o'clock, and a solemn hush fell on the
house.
While the ladies were having tea, Susan was busy in their bedroom
laying out their gowns and Henrietta, chancing to pass the open door,
peeped in. The bed was spread with the rose-pink and apricot dresses
of their choice, with petticoats of corresponding hues, with silken
stockings and long gloves and fans; and on the mound made by the
pillows two pairs of very high-heeled slippers pointed their narrow
toes.
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