She quite agreed that it was a pleasure and privilege for Margaret to see her, the author of _Hearts Astray_, even if Margaret was herself so charming and so provokingly well dressed.

Miss Martha Wallingford did not hide her light of talent under a bushel with all her shyness, which was not really shyness at all but a species of rather sullen pride and resentment because she was so well aware that she could not do well the things which were asked of her and had not mastered the art of dress and self poise.
Therefore, Martha, with the delight of her own achievements full upon her face, which was pretty, although untutored, regarded her visitor with an expression which almost made Margaret falter.

It was probably the absurd dressing of the girl's hair which restored Margaret's confidence in her scheme.

Martha Wallingford actually wore a frizzled bang, very finely frizzled too, and her hair was strained from the nape of her neck, and it seemed impossible that a young woman who knew no better than to arrange her hair in such fashion, should not be amenable to Margaret's plan.

The plan, moreover, sounded very simple, except for the little complications which might easily arise.
Margaret smiled into the pretty face under the fuzz of short hair.
"My dear Miss Wallingford," said she, "I have come this morning to beg a favour.