"Indeed I do not. It is such a pleasant morning, I thought of going through Thorpe Woods."
"Very well. Though mind, Doris, it is not quite right for you to go out amusing yourself while Mattie works so hard."
"But if I stay at home I shall not work, so I am better out of the way."
Mrs. Brace knew it was false reasoning; but what was the use of saying so; she had long since ceased arguing with Doris.
"Do not expect me back very early. I may go on to see Lottie Granger," said Doris.
Thinking it wise that no hour should be set for her return, she intended to cross the high-road and linger in the hope of seeing him. There was no fear of discovery. Her mother and Mattie were settled for the day, Earle had gone to Quainton, her father was away in some distant meadow-land. She hoped that she could see her lord, for no time could be more favorable for a long conversation. She was singing up stairs in her own room.
"I must make myself look as nice as I can," she thought.
She inspected her wardrobe; there was really nothing in it worth wearing. She gave an impatient sigh.
There was a plain white hat, trimmed with blue ribbon; there was a black lace shawl and a white muslin dress. She hastened down into the garden and gathered a beautiful rose; she fastened it into her hat, and it was instantly transformed into the most becoming head-gear. The black lace shawl, by a few touches of the skillful fingers, became a Spanish mantilla, and hung in graceful folds over the pretty muslin.
Her toilet was a complete success; she had that marvelous gift of transforming everything she touched. At school she had been the envy of her companions; she had a taste that was at once artistic and picturesque, and it was nowhere displayed to greater advantage than in her own dress.