'Molly will know she's to put on her best clothes,' said Miss Browning.
'We could perhaps lend her a few beads, or artificials, if she wants
them.'

'Molly must go in a clean white frock,' said Mr. Gibson, rather
hastily; for he did not admire the Miss Brownings' taste in dress, and
was unwilling to have his child decked up according to their fancy; he
esteemed his old servant Betty's as the more correct, because the more
simple. Miss Browning had just a shade of annoyance in her tone as she
drew herself up, and said, 'Oh! very well. It's quite right, I'm sure.'
But Miss Phoebe said, 'Molly will look very nice in whatever she puts
on, that's certain.'




CHAPTER II

A NOVICE AMONGST THE GREAT FOLK


At ten o'clock on the eventful Thursday the Towers' carriage began its
work. Molly was ready long before it made its first appearance,
although it had been settled that she and the Miss Brownings were not
to go until the last, or fourth, time of its coming. Her face had been
soaped, scrubbed, and shone brilliantly clean; her frills, her frock,
her ribbons were all snow-white. She had on a black mode cloak that had
been her mother's; it was trimmed round with rich lace, and looked
quaint and old-fashioned on the child. For the first time in her life