“Ah, you’re the young person sent from Mrs. Sharp’s, I presume?” said one, laying aside a novel. “I’m glad she didn’t disappoint me. Will you please undo it?” pointing to the parcel lying on an ottoman. “I must try it on and let you see that it’s all right before you go.”
She spoke as if addressing a menial, and Floy’s cheek burned; but she silently did as requested.
The wrappings were removed, and in a moment all three of the young ladies had started to their feet with exclamations of “Lovely!” “Charming!” “Exquisite!”
“I shall run into the next room and put it on!” cried the owner.
“And I’ll help you, Carrie,” said one of the others.
“No, no, Bell, thank you! you and Laura stay here and let me burst in upon you in full bloom,” she answered laughingly. “But you may come,” nodding graciously to Floy. “I’ll need your assistance. I’ll carry this lovely over-skirt; you may bring the rest.”
The bedroom to which she conducted Floy was, in the richness and luxury of its furnishing, quite in keeping with the boudoir.
The change of dress was quickly made, Floy adjusting the rich folds of the new gown, and making one or two little alterations in the looping or the position of the flowers to suit the taste of the wearer.
“Wait here a moment while I show myself to my friends,” said the latter when all was done.
She sailed away into the adjoining room, and Floy heard the exclamations.