“Wouldn’t you like to stop for the lecture this afternoon? It will begin in ten minutes.”
Claire and Mrs. Larry accepted the printed announcements mechanically, their gaze fixed on the tea room, which was already half full. On the platform, bustling employees of the store were arranging what looked like an exhibit, bolts of cloth and silk, ready-made garments, shoes, gloves, linens, perfumes. The saleswoman followed their curious glance.
“Those are the heads of departments and the buyers. They are going to answer questions after the lecture.”
“What’s the subject of the lecture?” inquired Mrs. Larry.
The salesgirl actually chuckled and pointed to the card in Mrs. Larry’s hand—
“‘What Do You Do With Father’s Money?’”
Other women had gathered round, sensing the unusual.
“It is a funny title, isn’t it?” exclaimed the girl, quite thrilled by her small but interested audience. “A lady from one of the magazines is holding a conference here all this week for housekeepers and mothers.”
“Yes,” interrupted Mrs. Larry, “but what does she mean by such a title, ‘What Do You Do With Father’s Money?’”
“Oh,” answered the girl brightly, “she’s going to tell you, first, how women who don’t know how to shop, waste the money their men folks earn; and then the different buyers are going to tell you how to know the difference between good goods and bad.”