Her eyes were of that peculiar, very dark, very deep blue, which seems to be an Irish girl's special gift. Her eyelashes were thick and black, her complexion a fresh white and pink, her chestnut hair grew in thick, curly abundance all over her well-shaped head. Her beautifully cut lips wore a petulant but charming expression. There was a provocative, almost teasing, self-confidence about her, which to certain minds only added to her queer fascination."I can't help it, my dear; I'm honest, whatever I am."
But this new girl was not following out any of the old precedents."I don't mean that, miss; I mean that perhaps you'd talk to Miss Bridget, and persuade her to do whatever Mrs. Freeman says is right. I don't know what that is, of course, but you has a very kind way, Miss Dorothy,[Pg 71] and ef you would speak to Miss O'Hara, maybe she'd listen to you."Her first impulse was to open the door of her prison and go boldly out.
gambling
Small girls are easily influenced, and Bridget and her tribe rushed down the avenue, shouting and whooping as they went.
"I don't mean that, miss; I mean that perhaps you'd talk to Miss Bridget, and persuade her to do whatever Mrs. Freeman says is right. I don't know what that is, of course, but you has a very kind way, Miss Dorothy,[Pg 71] and ef you would speak to Miss O'Hara, maybe she'd listen to you."The children disappeared in as frantic haste to be off as they were a few minutes ago to arrive."Pain and anxiety! I like that! You are just angry with me—that's about all!""Yes, certainly. Let me introduce you to someone in particular. Janet May, come here, my dear."
"Well, dear, you are not to blame. I shall take you to Eastcliff this afternoon, and order some plain dresses to be made up for you."
"I suppose I may go," she said, "if that's all you have got to say?"
They were both undressing when she entered the room this evening, but the moment she appeared they rushed to her and began an eager torrent of words.