`` 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 style , she thought , for being tall , the stately and Junoesque was more appropriate than the sportive or piquante . She walked up and down the long saloon while waiting for Laurie , and once arranged herself under the chandelier , which had a good effect upon her hair , then she thought better of it , and went away to the other end of the room , as if ashamed of the girlish desire to have the first view a propitious one . It so happened that she could not have done a better thing , for Laurie came in so quietly she did not hear him , and as she stood at the distant window , with her head half turned and one hand gathering up her dress , the slender , white figure against the red curtains was as effective as a well-placed statue . `` Good evening , Diana ! '' said Laurie , with the look of satisfaction she liked to see in his eyes when they rested on her . `` Good evening , Apollo ! '' she answered , smiling back at him , for he too looked unusually debonair , and the thought of entering the ballroom on the arm of such a personable man caused Amy to pity the four plain Misses Davis from the bottom of her heart . `` Here are your flowers . I arranged them myself , remembering that you did n't like what Hannah calls a ` sot-bookay ' , '' said Laurie , handing her a delicate nosegay , in a holder that she had long coveted as she daily passed it in Cardiglia 's window . `` How kind you are ! '' she exclaimed gratefully . `` If I 'd known you were coming I 'd have had something ready for you today , though not as pretty as this , I 'm afraid . '' `` Thank you . It is n't what it should be , but you have improved it , '' he added , as she snapped the silver bracelet on her wrist . `` Please do n't . '' `` I thought you liked that sort of thing . '' `` Not from you , it does n't sound natural , and I like your old bluntness better . ''
`` I 'm glad of it , '' he answered , with a look of relief , then buttoned her gloves for her , and asked if his tie was straight , just as he used to do when they XXXXX to parties together at home .
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