Even good-natured Esther was a little ruffled at this daring act of baby's, and hastily divested that young lady of her borrowed adornments, amidst the laughter of the group.
Poor baby was quite astonished at the precipitate manner in which she was deprived of her finery, and was for a few moments quite overpowered by her loss; but, perceiving a drawer open in the toilet-table, she dried her eyes, and turned her attention in that direction, and in tossing its contents upon the floor amply solaced herself for the deprivation she had just undergone.
"Caddy is a famous chief bridesmaid--hasn't been here to give the least assistance," observed Esther; "she is not even dressed herself.

I will ring, and ask where she can be--in the kitchen or supper-room I've no doubt.

Where is Miss Ellis ?" she asked of the servant who came in answer her summons.
"Downstairs, mem--the boy that brought the ice-cream kicked over a candy ornament, and Miss Ellis was very busy a shaking of him when I came up." "Do beg her to stop," rejoined Esther, with a laugh, "and tell her I say she can shake him in the morning--we are waiting for her to dress now; and also tell Mr.De Younge to come here to the door--I want him." Kinch soon made his appearance, in accordance with Esther's request, and fairly dazzled her with his costume.

His blue coat was brazen with buttons, and his white cravat tied with choking exactness; spotless vest, black pants, and such patent leathers as you could have seen your face in with ease.
"How fine you look, Kinch," said Esther admiringly.
"Yes," he answered; "the new vest came home--how do you like it ?" "Oh, admirable! But, Kinch, can't you go down, and implore Caddy to come up and dress--time is slipping away very fast ?" "Oh, I daren't," answered Kinch, with a look of alarm--"I don't dare to go down now that I'm dressed.

She'll want me to carry something up to the supper-room if I do--a pile of dishes, or something of the kind.