`` No , Merry ought to have it , as she is the prettiest , and has that splendid veil to wear , '' answered Molly , who was to be the maid of honor , cuffing the little page , Boo . `` I do n't care a bit , but my feather would be fine for the Princess , and I do n't know as Emma would like to have me lend it to any one else , '' said Annette , waving a long white plume over her head , with girlish delight in its grace . `` I should think the white silk dress , the veil , and the feather ought to go together , with the scarlet crape shawl and these pearls . That would be sweet , and just what princesses really wear , '' advised Jill , who was stringing a quantity of old Roman pearls . `` We all want to wear the nice things , so let us draw lots . Would n't that be the fairest way ? '' asked Merry , looking like a rosy little bride , under a great piece of illusion , which had done duty in many plays . `` The Prince is light , so the Princess must be darkish . We ought to choose the girl who will look best , as it is a picture . I heard Miss Delano say so , when the ladies got up the tableaux , last winter , and every one wanted to be Cleopatra , '' said Jill decidedly . `` You choose , and then if we ca n't agree we will draw lots , '' proposed Susy , who , being plain , knew there was little hope of her getting a chance in any other way . So all stood in a row , and Jill , from her sofa , surveyed them critically , feeling that the one Jack would really prefer was not among the number . `` I choose that one , for Juliet wants to be Queen , Molly would make faces , and the others are too big or too light , '' pronounced Jill , pointing to Merry , who looked pleased , while Mabel 's face darkened , and Susy gave a disdainful sniff . `` You 'd better draw lots , and then there will be no fuss . Ju and I are out of the fight , but you three can try , and let this settle the matter , '' said Molly , handing Jill a long strip of paper . All agreed to let it be so , and when the bits were ready drew in turn . This time fate was evidently on Merry 's side , and no one grumbled when she showed the longest paper . `` Go and dress , then come back , and we 'll plan how we are to be placed before we call up the boys , '' commanded Jill , who was manager , since she could be nothing else . The girls retired to the bedroom and began to `` rig up , '' as they called it ; but discontent still lurked among them , and showed itself in sharp words , envious looks , and disobliging acts . `` Am I to have the white silk and the feather ? ''
XXXXX Merry , delighted with the silvery shimmer of the one and the graceful droop of the other , though both were rather shabby .
advised asked draw dress feeling getting looking settle showed surveyed