The old countess opened her eyes, and rose on one elbow among her cushions.
"Let the child alone, Judson. The hat is well enough, and she looked very pretty in it."
"Nobby, isn't it, grandmamma?" said Clara, tossing the hat to her head, and shaking down the blue streamers; "and I'm so fond of it."
"Judson," said the old countess, "do not attempt to judge for your mistress at this time of day. No one but a Carset could wear a thing like that, without looking vulgar; but you saw what an air she gave it."
Judson was astounded. She had absolutely trembled, when that round hat came into the room, in defiance of the faint protest which she had ventured to make.
"I was afraid, my lady, that a dress like that might set you against the young lady."
"Set me against my own grandchild, and she so unmistakably a Carset! I am surprised, Judson."
"I am sure there was no idea in my mind of giving offense. She is a pretty young lady enough."
"Pretty! Are you speaking of that charming young creature, with the air of a duchess and the heart of a child, only to say that she is pretty?"
"Did I say pretty, my lady, when I think her so beautiful?"