Vashti's Fate — page 134: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

A NEW WARDROBE. 129 ‘Confess now, dear, you would like ey much to go into the parlor to-night.” It was Mrs. Gordon, who had stolen unnoticed into the room, and coming up behind Vashti, put her two fair, plump hands on her shoulders. Vashti blushed and hung her head. ‘Vou would like it, I know, but you don't like to own it. Vashti, you have very pretty hair—I should like to see — how it would look dressed differently. Will you let Miss Brand arrange your hair, just to gratify me?” ‘“You may come in, Miss Brand.” Miss Brand came in smiling, a formidable array of brushes and combs with her, and, in spite of Vashti’s low-voiced opposition, proceeded with deft and skillful hands to un- braid and brush out her long, black hair, both she and Mrs. Gordon exclaiming at its beauty and length. ‘Stand up!” said Mrs. Gordon. Vashti obeyed, and the shining waves wrapped her slen- der person like a mantle. ‘Now, Miss Brand ’’—with a significant look—‘‘let us see what you can do.” ‘‘There is little left for me to do,” said Miss Brand, gayly, but she parted and brushed, and brushed and parted, and braided, till Vashti doubted the assertion some- what. “Nobody would know her,” exclaimed Mrs. Gordon, as Miss Brand finished disposing the satiny bands about the clear, oval face. ‘‘ Why, Vashti, you have only just missed being a beauty. Be quick, Miss Brand.” Miss Brand laughed and darted out of the room, while Mrs. Gordon, with a mixture of abruptness and raillery, said : hg er a) com €oO cbooks mn