“I’m sure you can too. And can’t you make some little seats for my dolls?”
Dick had just agreed to do this when the two aunties came downstairs, and they all went out to the carriage. Somehow it seemed very formal. Aunt Rachel and Aunt Abbie, all dressed up in calling costume, with gloves and parasols, didn’t seem so chummy as when they were all out planting seeds together. And Michael, in his coachman’s livery, looked so straight and unintelligent that it was hard to believe he was the same man.
They all got into the big, open carriage, and the twins sat backward, facing their aunts.
“First,” said Miss Rachel, who sat up very stiff and prim, “we will go and buy the seeds and plants, and then we will pay some calls.”
This seemed very strange to Dick and Dolly, for they had never been taken calling with Auntie Helen in Chicago; but they made no comment, as none seemed to be expected.
The carriage stopped at a small shop, and the proprietor hurried out to greet the ladies. He bowed with great deference, and asked what he might show them.
Miss Rachel had a list of the seeds and plants they had decided on for the children’s gardens, and the shopman said he would send them all the next day.
“And have you some small garden implements?” asked Miss Abbie. “Some little rakes and hoes, suitable for children’s use.”
The shopman said he would bring some out to show them.
“Oh, Auntie,” cried Dolly, impulsively, “can’t we go in the shop and look at them?”