"It was such a nice letter," she said looking up with a pleased sigh.
"I am very glad you found it so," returned Miss Dorothy with a smile.
"Was yours a nice one?"
"Yes, it is from my father, and he always writes delightful letters. I hope to see him and Patty both on Saturday. Dad has some business in the city, and Patty needs a new coat, so he is going to take her with him. I am to meet them there, for poor dad would never know how to buy a coat. Do you often go to the city, Marian?"
"I never have been but once."
"Really? I was just thinking how nice it would be if you could go with me and meet Patty; then we three could go shopping and have lunch somewhere together."
"Oh, Miss Dorothy!" Such a plan was beyond Marian's wildest dreams. She looked radiant for a moment, then her face fell.
"What is the matter?" asked Miss Dorothy.
"I am afraid grandma will not let me go. I never have been but that once, and then grandma had to go to the dentist; grandpa could not go with her and didn't want her to go alone."
"But what about your clothes and things? Don't you have to go there for them?"