The morning call., 1890-05-11
CHAPTER Ii,

Brenda was standing with book of en-
cravings open before her when Mr.. Lisle
and his visitors entered the breakfast-room
and she blitheiy summoned Sir Damer and
Mr.. EssiltOn to her aid.
Mamma has kindly offered me the use of
her jewels, so think should like to have
medieval costume of velvet and satin, and
old lace and pearls; but the question is,
which Of the Tudor princesses shall 1 repre-
sent? Shall l be Marguerite or Mary? or
shall / travel back to more remote times,
and shine as Joan of Kent"
what will sMiss MenYyn wear?" asked
the artist
Brenda started.
My cousin! ! had forgotten to inquire.
l will 90 and fetch her."
Monsie looked grave when questioned.
"Wiil not my black silk do? l have not
worn it many times"
For bal costume? Not unless you
propose to appear as nun. You must
have something new"
But it is impossible! Aunt Ursula onIy
gave me money enough for my fare. She
said my wardrobe was sufficient for my re-
quirements.'
For moment her hearer was tempted to
say no more, but let Mousie stay quietly at
home with the children. She wonld not
complain; she would not miss a pleasure
she had never enjoyed. But the natural
warmth of Brenda's heart revived, and a
kiss was lightly dropped on Mousie's up
turned face.
''All the aunts in the world shall not rob
you Of peep into fairyland. Restez tran
guile, ma'amselle, and | will manage it.
Send those tiresome children away and let
MISS Boyd take your pattern. She shall re-
ceve her directions from me-
have changed my mind" Brenda an
nounced on returning downstairs. Il have
Deen seized with new idea. Mousie and |
VIII personate spring and summer, and now
that Inc seasons are so variable there will
De nothing lncongruous in their being es-
eorted by autumn and winter if you, Sir
Damer, and your friend will garb your
selves in russell and icicles."
Ina proposal was carried unanimously,
Claude Essll:on instantly drawing an anus.
ing little sketch of the Baronet in the loose
put not unbecoming garments of a reaper,
whilst he wore the flowing robes and silvery
beard of Christmas.
so the dresses for the young ladies were
made. and Brenda was repaid for giving IN
her dream Of regal splendor that she might
purchase the simpler materials required for
her cousin as well as herself.
Never had she looked more charming in
the gold-colOred gauze and many-tinted
roses that harmonized with her olive skin
and raven hair; while Mousie, in draperies
0! palest green. looped with primroses and
sdoiels, was as lar vision of May as any
AUNT Ursula would not know mep' she
exclaimed, when arrayed for the first time
In her pretty costume. Indeed / hardly
know myself myself, and when / have left
| you. Brenda, and resumed the old life
these happy days will seem like a dream. J
Then you are not happy with youl
| aunt2"
A shadow fell on the youthful face.
II try to be; If she could only love me 9
little think L could be more content"
"Hope on, hope ever" counseled Brenda
| gayly, though her heart swelled the while.
You will not always be subject to Mis-.
Ursula's tyranny. The prince will turn III
some day and carry you away from her."
Mousie blushed as she shook her hea6
| despondently. How could she expect thai
| any one here would remem Der her when she
| bad gone away ?-unless it were Tom anC
IIot-still her most jealous adherents.
| The evening fixed for the ball had ar.
rived, and Brenda, who had been detained