At last dinner was over, and it was time to dress for the great occasion.
Patty’s own frock was all of white; a distracting affair of embroidered muslin and fluffy lace ruffles.
But far more than her own finery, Patty enjoyed dressing Ruth up in her new clothes.
“You look a perfect dream in that blue,” cried Patty as she finished hooking up Ruth’s dress, and whirled her around for inspection.
And indeed a transformation had been wrought.
Patty had curled Ruth’s straight blonde hair, and had tied it with two big blue bows, made of ribbon about twice as wide as Ruth had ever worn before. The new frock was most becoming, and Ruth saw her own self in the mirror with an amazed surprise. She had never thought of possessing the slightest claim to beauty, but she was obliged to admit that on this occasion she had certainly achieved it.
The truth was that Ruth’s perfect complexion and classic features needed an appropriate setting, and this Patty had provided, with a most pleasing result.
Patty herself was delighted with her success. She exhibited Ruth to Mr. Fairfield quite as if she were a doll which she had dressed up for her own benefit. Even Mr. Fairfield was surprised at the change in the demure maiden, and congratulated both girls on their charming appearance.
Then away they went to the party.
Patty gave Ruth orders to the effect that she must, for at least that one evening, make her demeanour correspond to her appearance.