“Maggie!”
“What’s the matter?”
“Why, n-nothing. It’s lovely, of course, only—only I—I’m so surprised! You never go anywhere.”
“All the more reason why I should, then. It’s time I did,” smiled Miss Maggie. Miss Maggie was looking more at ease now.
“When are you going?”
“Next Wednesday. I heard from Nellie last night. She is expecting me then.”
“How perfectly splendid! I’m so glad! And I do hope you can do it, and that it won’t peter out at the last minute, same’s most of your good times do. Poor Maggie! And you’ve had such a hard life—and your boarder leaving, too! That’ll make a lot of difference in your pocketbook, won’t it? But, Maggie, you’ll have to have some new clothes.”
“Of course. I’ve been shopping this afternoon. I’ve got to have—oh, lots of things.”
“Of course you have. And, Maggie,”—Miss Flora’s face grew eager,—“please, please, won’t you let me help you a little—about those clothes? And get some nice ones—some real nice ones, for once. You know how I’d love to! Please, Maggie, there’s a good girl!”
“Thank you, no, dear,” refused Miss Maggie, shaking her head with a smile. “But I appreciate your kindness just the same—indeed, I do!”