In the place of honor in the long drawing-room sat Miss Brown, who
could not resist the united urging of Aunt Zelie and the girls.
"We arranged this corner just for you," said Bess, coming to greet her
as soon as she was seated. "We knew you would look like a picture in
it."
Miss Brown laughed and said that would be a new sensation, as she had
never before been a picture.
"Oh, yes, you have been, but perhaps you didn't know it!" said Louise.
"This time you are to know it, and every one is to admire you, for you
are part of our decorations; I am glad you wore that lovely shawl."
She made a picture, truly, with her bright eyes and snowy hair against
the crimson velvet of the chair, a delicate white lace shawl over her
dark dress, and a copper lamp with a deep rose-colored shade throwing
a soft radiance about her.
"And here is somebody to keep you company," said Bess, bringing Aunt
Zelie to sit beside her.
Mrs. Howard's eyes followed lovingly her two pretty nieces as they
danced away to join the group around the afghan.
"I wonder," said Miss Brown, watching them, "what difference it would
have made in me if I had had such a home when I was a child."
"It is a beautiful and helpful thing to have a happy childhood to look
back upon," answered their aunt.
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