es had to go on directly; and first my young
soldier donned a pair of remarkably baggy red trowsers, which looked as
if they had a connection with the Manhattan Gas Company like a new sort
of balloon, they were so puffy; and a pair of leather gaiters reaching
from the calf of the leg to the ancle. Then came a most splendid
bluejacket, covered in every direction with gold lace, a killing little
ruffled shirt, and a flourishing blue sash. Perched on top of his head,
where his hair had been the day before, was a red fez with a long blue
tassel, and, to crown all, or, I might say, _cutting-out_ everything
else, was a splendid sword, as bright as silver, with a terribly
sharp-looking edge, and an elegant gold handle.

When he was all dressed, he ran down stairs and found, on entering the
dining room, that he was the only one there. A large mirror was over the
mantel, which reflected the handsome room, with its deep bay window,
filled with flowers, its sideboard, loaded with massive plate, and the
breakfast table, covered with its snowy cloth, and nice beefsteak,
muffins, and coffee, looking so tempting to hungry folks.

Freddy's eye fell on the mirror, and a new idea came into his head.
"Hurrah! here's a capital chance to see how I look from head to foot,"
he thought; so, without remembering the long pier glasses in the parlor,
he dragged his father's arm chair in front of the fireplace, and,
jumping on the seat, stood turning and twisting about, staring at
himself all the time, and quite put out at not being able to see the
whole of his back at once. Finally he concluded his performance by
striking a tremendous attitude, with his legs as far apart as the chair
would permit, his sword in the air, and such a ferocious scowl on his
face, that it was a mercy his brows didn't get tied up in a double bow
knot then and there.

All at once there was a little laugh in the direction of the door.
Freddy wheeled round, and there were papa, mamma, and Bella looking on,
and trying hard to keep in the laughter!

Down scrambled Colonel Freddy from his perch, blushing up to the very
roots of his hair. There wasn't much more than the roots left, to be
sure; but his father laid his hand on the epauletted shoulder with a
good-natured, "Never mind, old fellow, you look fine enough to justify a
little personal reflection."

Hardly had Freddy taken his place at the table, and his father asked a
blessing, than there came such a tremendous rin