said Amy , feeling in good spirits and anxious to see him so also . `` Yes , '' was all he said , but he turned and strained his eyes to see the island which a greater usurper than even Napoleon now made interesting in his sight . `` Take a good look at it for her sake , and then come and tell me what you have been doing with yourself all this while , '' said Amy , seating herself , ready for a good talk . But she did not get it , for though he joined her and answered all her questions freely , she could only learn that he had roved about the Continent and been to Greece . So after idling away an hour , they drove home again , and having paid his respects to Mrs. Carrol , Laurie left them , promising to return in the evening . It must be recorded of Amy that she deliberately prinked that night . Time and absence had done its work on both the young people . She had seen her old friend in a new light , not as ` our boy ' , but as a handsome and agreeable man , and she was conscious of a very natural desire to find favor in his sight . Amy knew her good points , and made the most of them with the taste and skill which is a fortune to a poor and pretty woman . Tarlatan and tulle were cheap at Nice , so she enveloped herself in them on such occasions , and following the sensible English fashion of simple dress for young girls , got up charming little toilettes with fresh flowers , a few trinkets , and all manner of dainty devices , which were both inexpensive and effective . It must be confessed that the artist sometimes got possession of the woman , and indulged in antique coiffures , statuesque attitudes , and classic draperies . But , dear heart , we all have our little weaknesses , and find it easy to pardon such in the young , who satisfy our eyes with their comeliness , and keep our hearts merry with their artless vanities . `` I do want him to think I look well , and tell them so at home , '' said Amy to herself , as she put on Flo 's old white silk ball dress , and covered it with a cloud of fresh illusion , out of which her white shoulders and golden head emerged with a most artistic effect . Her hair she had the sense to let alone , after gathering up the thick waves and curls into a Hebe-like knot at the back of her head . `` It 's not the fashion , but it 's becoming , and I ca n't afford to make a fright of myself , '' she used to say , when advised to frizzle , puff , or braid , as the latest style commanded . Having no ornaments fine enough for this important occasion , Amy looped her fleecy skirts with rosy clusters of azalea , and framed the white shoulders in delicate green vines . Remembering the painted boots , she surveyed her white satin slippers with girlish satisfaction , and chassed down the room , admiring her aristocratic feet all by herself . `` My new fan just matches my flowers , my gloves fit to a charm , and the real lace on Aunt 's mouchoir gives an air to my whole dress . If I only had a classical nose and mouth I should be perfectly happy , '' she said , surveying herself with a critical eye and a candle in each hand . In spite of this affliction , she looked unusually gay and graceful as she glided away .
She seldom ran -- it did not suit her XXXXX , she thought , for being tall , the stately and Junoesque was more appropriate than the sportive or piquante .
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