'But don't be frightened: you are richer as well as younger; and, no doubt,
will have your chance first, my dear; and in the meantime, I dare say,
those verses, like Falstaff's _billet-doux,_ you know, are doing double
duty.'
I laughed, but the button-maker was a secret trouble to me; and I would
have given I know not what that Captain Oakley were one of the company,
that I might treat him with the refined contempt which his deserts and my
dignity demanded.
Cousin Monica busied herself about Milly's toilet, and was a very useful
lady's maid, chatting in her own way all the time; and, at last, tapping
Milly under the chin with her finger, she said, very complacently--
'I think I have succeeded, Miss Milly; look in the glass. She really is a
very pretty creature.'
And Milly blushed, and looked with a shy gratification, which made her
still prettier, on the mirror.
Milly indeed was very pretty. She looked much taller now that her dresses
were made of the usual length. A little plump she was, beautifully fair,
with such azure eyes, and rich hair.
'The more you laugh the better, Milly, for you've got very pretty
teeth--very pretty; and if you were my daughter, or if your father would
become president of a college of magicians, and give you up to me, I
venture to say I would place you very well; and even as it is we must try,
my dear.
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