The dresscoat was a little loose in the shoulders, but allowed a noble expanse of glossy bosom to be seen, and with a delicate handkerchief negligently drooping at the proper angle, had a truly fine effect.

Boots that shone, and likewise pinched, appeared at one end of the 'long, black clothes-pin'-- as Josie called him---and a youthful but solemn face at the other, carried at an angle which, if long continued, would have resulted in spinal curvature.

Light gloves, a cane, and--oh, bitter drop in the cup of joy!--an ignominious straw hat, not to mention a choice floweret in the buttonhole, and a festoon of watchguard below, finished off this impressive boy.
'How's that for style ?' he asked, appearing to his mother and cousins whom he was to escort to the hall on this particular occasion.
A shout of laughter greeted him, followed by exclamations of horror; for he had artfully added the little blond moustache he often wore when acting.

It was very becoming, and seemed the only balm to heal the wound made by the loss of the beloved hat.
'Take it off this moment, you audacious boy! What would your father say to such a prank on this day when we must all behave our best ?' said Mrs Jo, trying to frown, but privately thinking that among the many youths about her none were so beautiful and original as her long son.
'Let him wear it, Aunty; it's so becoming.

No one will ever guess he isn't eighteen at least,' cried Josie, to whom disguise of any sort was always charming.
'Father won't observe it; he'll be absorbed in his big-wigs and the girls.