Shirley and Mabel returned to the house, where Mr. Willing was waiting for them with the automobile.
“Ashton and I have decided to do a little shopping on our own hook,” he explained. “We want to spruce up a bit. Daughter, do you suppose there will be any nice-looking, middle-aged ladies aboard the boat? If so, why Ashton and I—”
“Dad!” interrupted Shirley.
“Well, all right. Of course if you object,” said Mr. Willing.
All the rest of the day the girls put in shopping. Dresses and frocks for all occasions they bought, besides a couple of outing costumes.
“I don’t know how long it takes to get to San Francisco from New York,” said Shirley, “so we had best be prepared.”
But when the day was over they found they had not completed their shopping, and would have to return again on the morrow.
Mr. Willing, during the day, transacted his business and found out the date of sailing from New York. Taking it for granted that Dick would accompany them, he purchased a ticket and made accommodations for him as well as the others.
“How long shall we be gone, Dad?” asked Shirley, as the automobile sped homeward.