Quickly she dressed
Clara, superintending all the details of her disguise as carefully
as though she were the costumer of a new debutante. When Clara was
dressed she was so nearly of the same size and shape of Capitola
that from behind no one would have suspected her identity.
"There, Clara! tuck your light hair out of the way; pull your cap
over your eyes; gather your veil down close; draw up your figure;
throw back your head; walk with a little springy sway and swagger,
as if you didn't care a damson for anybody, and--there! I declare no
one could tell you from me!" exclaimed Capitola in delight, as she
completed the disguise and the instructions of Clara.
Then Capitola dressed herself in Clara's deep mourning robes. And
then the two girls sat down to compose themselves for a few minutes,
while Capitola gave new and particular directions for Clara's course
and conduct, so as to insure as far as human foresight could do it,
the safe termination of her perilous adventure. By the time they had
ended their talk the hall clock struck twelve.
"There! it is full time you should be off! Be calm, be cool, be
firm, and God bless you, Clara! Dear girl! if I were only a young
man I would deliver you by the strength of my own arms, without
subjecting you to inconvenience or danger!" said Cap, gallantly, as
she led Clara to the chamber door and carefully gathered her thick
veil in close folds over her face, so as entirely to conceal it.
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