It made her look like such an odd little dwarf of a woman that she stuck
out her tongue at her reflection in the mirror. The grimace was so
comical, framed by the stately bonnet, that Georgina was delighted. She
twisted her face another way and was still more amused at results. Wholly
forgetful of the fact that it was a mourning bonnet, she went on making
faces at herself until the sound of voices suddenly growing louder, told
her that the door across the hall had opened. Someone was coming across.

There was no time to take off the bonnet. With a frightened gasp she
dived under the bed, with it still on, her heels disappearing just as
someone came into the room. The bed was so high she could easily sit
upright under it, but she was so afraid that a cough or a sneeze might
betray her, that she drew up her knees and sat with her face pressed
against them hard. The long veil shrouded her shoulders. She felt that
she would surely die if anyone should notice that the bonnet was gone, or
happen to lift the valance and find her sitting there with it on her
head. Then she forgot her fear in listening to what Cousin Mehitable was
saying.




Chapter VII

"The Tishbite"



Cousin Mehitable was speaking to Mrs. Triplett, who seemed to be