"But don't tell her so. Go and see her again—that's all. And mind you don't come to town without turning in at the gate with the green eyes;" and so saying he let the eager mare out and she swiftly carried him away.
It was after this Aunt Alvirah seemed so confident that a way would be provided for Ruth to get the frocks that she so sadly needed. On the very next day, when Ruth came home from school, she found the little old lady in a flutter of excitement.
"Now, Ruthie," she whispered, "you mustn't ask too many questions, and I'll surely tell ye a gre't secret, child."
"It must be something very nice, Aunt Alviry, or you'd never be like this. What is it?"
"Now Ruthie, you mustn't ask too many questions, I tell you. But to make no secret of it, for secrets I do despise, somebody's made you a present."
"Made me a present?" gasped Ruth.
"Now, careful about questions," warned Aunt Alvirah. "I told you that a way would be pervided for you to have frocks. And it is true. You are a-goin' to have 'em."
"Auntie! New frocks!"
"Just as good as new. Ev'ry bit as good as new. Somebody that's—that's seen ye, deary, and knows how badly you want to go to school, and that you need dresses, has given you three."
"My goodness me!" cried Ruth, clasping her hands. "Not three?"