The girls laughed slightly in reply, nudging each other quietly as she passed on, restraining their desire to rush for Marion's room, and not until the door was fairly closed behind them did their pent-up feelings find vent, when Marion, tossing the slipper till it hit the ceiling, shouted:—
"Victory! three cheers for General Brown, the Stonewall Jackson of Massachusetts!"
"But what in the world should I have done if you hadn't rushed in, and told me she was coming?" exclaimed Sarah. "Why, I should have run right into her!"
"Lucky for you you didn't," remarked Grace; "she'd have given you Jessie; if you know what that is."
"Well, Marion and Sarah," said Florence, "I think you're both perfect angels!"
"Yes, dear, 'angels in disguise,'" remarked Marion. "Well, this angel will proceed to put your foot into Miss Stiffy's delicate, little stocking; the slipper will be a perfect fit, I know; you'll have the most stylish foot in town. There! now see if you can step on it."
"Take hold of me, please, for I know I shan't be able to bear my whole weight on it!"
"Don't be in a hurry; lean on my shoulder; put your well foot on the floor, and set the other down very carefully."
"O Mab, it hurts awfully! I don't see how I can ever get down to tea in the world; but I shall have to grin and bear it, or else Miss Stiefbach will find it out."
"Suppose you go down now," suggested Sarah, "and we can help you into the dining-room before the bell rings, and if we all crowd round you Miss Stiefbach won't notice the slipper."