Mrs. Gurley was large and generous of form, and she carried her head in
such a haughty fashion that it made her look taller than she really was.
She had a high colour, her black hair was touched with grey, her upper
teeth were prominent. She wore gold eyeglasses, many rings, a long gold
chain, which hung from an immense cameo brooch at her throat, and a
black apron with white flowers on it, one point of which was pinned to
her ample bosom. The fact that Laura had just such an apron in her box
went only a very little way towards reviving her spirits; for altogether
Mrs. Gurley was the most impressive person she had ever set eyes on.
Beside her, God mother was nothing but a plump, shortsighted fidgety
lady.

Particularly awe-inspiring was Mrs. Gurley when she listened to
another speaking. She held her head a little to one side, her teeth met
her underlip and her be-ringed hands toyed incessantly with the long
gold chain, in a manner which seemed to denote that she set little value
on what was being said. Awful, too, was the habit she had of suddenly
lowering her head and looking at you over the tops of her glasses: when
she did this, and when her teeth came down on her lip, you would have
liked to shrink to the size of a mouse. Godmother, it was true, was not
afraid of her; but Cousin Grace was hushed at last and as for Laura
herself, she consciously wore a fixed little simper, which was meant to
put it beyond doubt that butter would not melt in her mouth.

Godmother now asked if she might say a few words in private, and the two
ladies left the room. As the door closed behind them Cousin Grace began
to be audible again.

"Oh, snakes!" she giggled, and her double chin spread itself "There's a
Tartar for you! Don't I thank my stars it's not me that's being shunted