human
Why, Joan! they chorused, dismay mingling with their welcome. (Even in conversation they were a most united family, speaking usually all three at once.)
gpt
However did you find your way up here? That stupid Susy should have shown you into the drawing-room!--or at least have announced you, so that you would not have caught us like this.
human
Nonsense! Susy tried to shoo me into the parlor, but I wouldn't be shooed; and as for 'announcing' me--she did howl up the stairs. But you were too engrossed to hear. The naïve respect with which they treated their prosperous young cousin always mortified Joan. She had her own conception of the family dignity.
gpt
You'd suppose I'd never seen a dressing-sack or a sewing-machine in my life, whereas I was raised on 'em.--My word, Cousin Euphie, how grand you are!
human
Am I, dear? The dress is grand, I know, said Miss Euphemia doubtfully,
gpt
A yoke,
human
Just what I said! twittered Miss Iphigenia.
gpt
Yokes _are_ being worn, or I'm certain Joan wouldn't have suggested it. A guimpe of black net perhaps--tucked, would you say, Joan dear!--and long wrinkled sleeves of the same. Which would do away with the necessity for long gloves, girls!
human
How clever of you, Genie! We can _all_ have guimpes and long sleeves? You see, three pairs of long white gloves--
gpt
Of course!
human
With slippers to match, my dear!
gpt
I sometimes think if I could have had a dress like this earlier-- she murmured.
human
Though of course my real color, like yours, Joan, was blue. A blue sash, and a pink rose in the hair. As General Fitzhugh Lee once said to me at a Galt House ball--
gpt
No, wasn't it at the Governor's Inauguration, sister?