One peasant woman would have accomplished more real work than any five of the Librationist _grandes dames_.
Despite her firm chin, Carmela De Sylva did not contemn the meretricious aid of dress.

Iris looked fresh and cool in soft muslin, whereas the newcomer was travel-stained and disheveled.

The pack-mules were lagging on the road, but a wash and general tidying of dust-covered garments would help the President's daughter to regain the assurance, now sadly lacking, which would be necessary ere she won her rightful place in a community largely composed of strangers.

As she led her horse back into the main avenue, she was sorry that her father or Salvador could not spare even the few minutes that would have sufficed for an introduction.

At any rate, she would probably find an old servant at the back of the house--some family retainer whose welcome would charm away this displeasing sense of intrusion.
On the way to the stables she heard a man singing.