Just as he had foreseen, Doris questioned Earle, and he told her of the promised outfit and the wedding gift.
All this reconciled her more to the idea of marrying.
"My mother sha'n't interfere with what I get for my outfit," said she to herself. "I'll dress like a lady for once. One hundred pounds in clothes will make a very fair show."
Alas, Patty, in her thrifty mind, had already destined part of this hundred pounds to sheeting and table-clothes, blankets and pillow-cases! A hundred pounds for clothes! Fie on the extravagance! A white mull for the wedding gown, a black silk, a cashmere. This was Patty's notion of a suitable bridal trousseau!
"A hundred pounds on my wedding-day to use as I like."
"You may be sure I sha'n't touch it," laughed Earle.
"A hundred pounds! That is kind of him; but it is not much. I could spend it in one hour in London."
"Spend it in an hour. I'm glad you are not fond of money."
"I am fond of it. Money is the salt and essence of life."
"And you marry a man who has almost none?"