There was an outcry of approval from the workers.
“One doesn’t have to use a microscope to see my stitches, but I do think my doll is cute,” declared Elizabeth.
“Cute is a silly word to use for her,” laughed Mary Louise. “To my mind she has real literary value.”
“I want to dress one to look like an old-fashioned grandmother, now,” said Elizabeth, “but we haven’t any black silk. I want her to frown on the flapper.”
“What did I tell you? Elizabeth always has to bring literature into life, even into the dressing of dolls. I’ll go get some black silk suitable for grandmothers for all time,” cried Mary Louise, jumping up and dropping her thimble and spool of cotton, which little Philip quickly restored, thereby gaining a kiss from Mary Louise, to whom all children appealed.
“I’ll go instead of you,” suggested Ursula. “I have a few other purchases to make. It is very cold and you have a little cough.”
It was agreed that Ursula should do the shopping. Ben also had to go out to deliver some linen Josie had laundered, as well as some other parcels.
The girls settled themselves again, working rapidly, each one endeavoring to outdo the other in fashioning clever and out-of-the-way costumes—putting in the literary touch according to Mary Louise.
“This is quite like old times,” said Laura Hilton. “This is the same crowd we had when we were working on Mary Louise’s wedding clothes.”
“Except for that terrible Hortense Markle,” shuddered Jane Donovan.