Do you
imagine that being badly born and reared can keep that girl from having
the same feelings? She probably wishes she could dress as well as the
best, attract attention, be respected, have a real fine fellow fall in
love with her--"
"The idea!" exclaimed Eleanor, laughing merrily. "But suppose it were
all true; how can mere notice from us help her? I'm sure the minute we
passed her she made a face and envied me my better clothes."
"You will think differently when you have more experience, my dear.
When I was as young as you, I thought--"
"Oh, mother, there she is again," said Eleanor, "crossing the street;
she's turning right towards us. And," murmured the young lady, after
assuring herself that it was really the same combination of red hair
and blue ribbon, "how different she looks!"
"Because two women of some standing and position chanced to notice
her. Let's help the good work along, daughter." Then, before Miss
Eleanor had time to object, and just as the cobbler's daughter was in
front of them, Mrs. Prency stopped, extended her neatly gloved hand,
and said, with a pleasant smile,--
"How these girls do grow! You were little Jane only a year or two ago,
Miss Kimper."
Never before had Jane Kimper been addressed as "Miss." The appellation
sent color flying into her face and brightness into her eyes as she
stammered out something about growing being natural.
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