'That's all I needed,' she said, on returning; 'that was an escape-
valve, and I shall be lady-like and well-behaved the rest of the
day.'



CHAPTER VI: QUEEN ELSIE VISITS THE COURT



'An hour and friend with friend will meet,
Lip cling to lip and hand clasp hand.'


'Now, Laura,' asked Bell, when quiet was restored, 'advise us about
Elsie's tent. We want it to be perfectly lovely; and you have such
good taste!'

'Let me think,' said Laura. 'Oh, if she were only a brunette instead
of a blonde, we could festoon the tent with that yellow tarlatan I
brought for the play!'

'What difference does it make whether she is dark or light?' asked
Bell, obtusely.

'Why, a room ought to be as becoming as a dress--so Mrs. Pinkerton
says. You know I saw a great deal of her at the hotel; and oh,
girls! her bedroom was the most exquisite thing you ever saw! She
had a French toilet-table, covered with pale blue silk and white