Nevertheless, though Arthur Simpson was neither handsome nor revealed aught which might stir vague, deep currents of romance, Missy regretted that even Arthur had seen her in such a sorry plight. She wished he might see her at a better advantage. For instance, galloping up on a spirited mount, in a modish riding-habit--a checked one with flaring-skirted coat and shining boots and daring but swagger breeches, perhaps!--galloping insouciantly up to take that dare!
But she knew it was an empty dream. Even if she had the swagger togs--a notion mad to absurdity--she could never gallop with insouciance. She wasn't the athletic sort.
At supper she was still somewhat bitterly ruminating her failings.
“Missy, you're not eating your omelet,” adjured her mother.
“I was just wondering--” then she broke off.
“Yes, dear,” encouraged mother. Missy's hazy thoughts took a sudden plunge, direct and startling.
“I was wondering if, maybe, you'd give me an old pair of father's trousers.”
“Just an old pair,” Missy went on, ignoring the question. “Maybe that pepper-and-salt pair you said you'd have to give to Jeff.”
“But what do you want of them?” persisted mother. “Jeff needs them disgracefully--the last time he mowed the yard I blushed every time he turned his back toward the street.”
“I think Mrs. Allen's going to give him a pair of Mr. Allen's--Kitty said she was. So he won't need the pepper-and-salts.”
“But what do you want with a pair of PANTS?” Aunt Nettie put in. Missy wished Aunt Nettie had been invited out to supper; Aunt Nettie was relentlessly inquisitive. She knew she must give some kind of answer.
“Oh, just for some fancy-work,” she said. She tried to make her tone insouciant, but she was conscious of her cheeks getting hot.
“Fancy-work--pants for fancy-work! For heaven's sake!” ejaculated Aunt Nettie.
Mother, also, was staring at her in surprise. But father, who was a darling, put in: “Give 'em to her if she wants 'em, dear. Maybe she'll make a lambrequin for the piano or an embroidered smoking-jacket for the old man--a'la your Ladies' Home Companion.”
He grinned at her, but Missy didn't mind father's jokes at her expense so much as most grown-ups'. Besides she was grateful to him for diverting attention from her secret purpose for the pants.
