Jean, Bettie, Mabel and Marjory were to buy their dresses, shoes and stockings in Chicago. Mrs. Henry Rhodes and Miss Blossom were to take them to town for a whole joyous Monday.
They loved every inch of the way to the city, where Mrs. Henry piled them all into a ’bus at the station, took them to a big store on State Street, and whisked them aloft in an elevator. She and Miss Blossom spent a long morning trying fluffy white frocks on their lively charges.
There were large numbers of just-exactly-right frocks for Marjory and Bettie. They were easy to fit. Jean was tall and rather slender and it was some time before the interested clerk could find just the right pretty gown for Jean. As for plump Mabel—— Well, the sleeves were tight, the waists wouldn’t button and the skirts were too scant.
“You see,” explained the patient clerk, “she isn’t a ready-made child. She hasn’t got her shape yet. But you’ll be all right, dearie (she called everybody ‘dearie,’ Mabel noticed), when you’re older. Your shoulders are fine and you’re right good looking; but they don’t put cloth enough in Misses’ garments these days for a real plump child. We’ll have to make you a dress to order. You can pick out the style you like and our own Miss Williamson will measure you and in three days you’ll have your dress. You’ll look just as nice as anybody and your dress will be just exactly right.”
“Yes,” agreed Mrs. Henry and Miss Blossom, “that’s the thing to do.”
Then they all got into the elevator and went up still higher and the Lakeville girls tried not to look surprised at finding a dining room so near the sky. After they had had lunch and purchased shoes and stockings it was time for their returning train.
Sallie listened to the thrilling news of the new dresses and the lovely new shoes rather soberly and with a lengthening countenance; but none of the girls noticed that she was not rejoicing with them until thoughtless Marjory suddenly asked:
“What are you going to wear, Sallie?”
“I have an old white dress,” returned Sallie, flushing painfully. “It was new three years ago but I’ve worn it hard every summer, so it isn’t new any more. All the tucks have been let out and the hem has been faced and it’s still too short. Besides there’s a bad rust stain on it and it’s too tight across the chest I don’t know what to do. I’ve been thinking I’d better put on a cap and apron and just pretend to be one of the regular maids. You see, ever so many parents and other guests will be coming so I’ll have to answer the doorbell and run upstairs to announce guests and help in the dining room, anyway.”
“But you have to help with the singing,” said Bettie. “You have the best voice of all the girls. What are you going to do about that?”