Watching the unselfish life of her daughter had taught Mrs. Barlow to forget her own regrets , inspired her with a desire to do her part , and made her ashamed of her past indolence . Happening to mention her maternal anxieties to Mrs. Tower , that good lady suggested a plan by which the seemingly impossible became a fact , and Mrs. Barlow had the pleasure of surprising Clara with a `` bright idea , '' as the girl had once surprised her . `` Come , dear , bestir yourself , for we must sail in ten days to pass our summer in or near Paris . I 've got commissions enough to pay our way , and we can unite business and pleasure in the most charming manner . '' Clara could only clasp her hands and listen , as her mother unfolded her plan , telling how she was to get Maud 's trousseau , all Mrs. Tower 's winter costumes , and a long list of smaller commissions from friends and patrons who had learned to trust and value the taste and judgment of the young modiste . So Clara had her summer trip , and came home bright and blooming in the early autumn , ready to take up her pretty trade again , quite unconscious that , while trying to make others beautiful , she was making her own life a very lovely one . VIII . HOW THEY CAMPED OUT . `` It looks so much like snow I think it would be wiser to put off your sleighing party , Gwen , '' said Mrs. Arnold , looking anxiously out at the heavy sky and streets still drifted by the last winter storm . `` Not before night , mamma ; we do n't mind its being cloudy , we like it , because the sun makes the snow so dazzling when we get out of town . `` We ca n't give it up now , for here comes Patrick with the boys . '' And Gwen ran down to welcome the big sleigh , which just then drove up with four jolly lads skirmishing about inside . `` Come on ! '' called Mark , her brother , knocking his friends right and left , to make room for the four girls who were to complete the party . `` What do you think of the weather , Patrick ? '' asked Mrs. Arnold from the window , still undecided about the wisdom of letting her flock go off alone , papa having been called away after the plan was made . `` Faith , ma 'm , it 's an illigant day barring the wind , that 's a thrifle could to the nose . I 'll have me eye on the childer , ma 'm , and there 'll be no throuble at all , at all , '' replied the old coachman , lifting a round red face out of his muffler , and patting little Gus on the shoulder , as he sat proudly on the high seat holding the whip . `` Be careful , dears , and come home early . '' With which parting caution mamma shut the window , and watched the young folks drive gayly away , little dreaming what would happen before they got back .
The wind was more than a `` thrifle could , '' for when they got out of the city it blew across the open country in bitter blasts , and XXXXX the eight little noses almost as red as old Pat 's , who had been up all night at a wake , and was still heavy-headed with too much whiskey , though no one suspected it .
Watching bestir blooming learned listen looking made make think watched