The days that followed were hard ones for the gypsy girl, who felt as a wild bird must when it is first imprisoned in a cage, and her heart was often rebellious.
“But I’ll keep my word,” she thought, “I’ll stay till the gold flowers fade.”
The elder Miss Barrington began at once to try to civilize Nan, and the result was not very satisfactory.
CHAPTER VII.
CIVILIZING GYPSY NAN.
The first day that Nan was strong enough to sit up Miss Barrington entered the room, followed by a maid, who was carrying a large box. The gypsy girl was seated by one of the windows, wrapped in a woolly blue robe that belonged to Miss Dahlia.
“Anne!” the cold voice was saying, “that is the name I have decided to call you. Nan is altogether too frivolous for a Christian girl, and that is what I expect you to become. In order that you may cease to look like a heathen as soon as possible, I have had your gypsy toggery stored in the attic and I have purchased for you dresses that are quiet and ladylike.”
Then turning to the maid, she said: “Marie, you may open the box and spread the contents on the bed.”
There were two dresses. One was a dark brown wool, made in the plainest fashion, and the other was a dull blue.
Nan’s eyes flashed. “I won’t wear those ugly things!” she cried. “You have no right to take my own beautiful dress from me.” Miss Barrington drew her self up haughtily as she replied coldly,—
“You will wear the dresses that I provide, or you will remain in your room. It is my duty, I assure you, not my pleasure, to try to change your heathen ways.”