So five and a half double A it was. “And make ’em gold,” suggested the Colonel.
The motorman approached was delighted to undertake the commission. “My wife’s pretty grateful not to have to be worrying herself to death about my supper and she’ll be tickled stiff to have a chance to go spend some money even if it isn’t for herself. She used to be saleslady in the biggest shop in Louisville, before she married me. She’s just about Miss Buck’s size, too,” he said.
Minute directions were given the kindly motorman as to the dress being white and thinnish and standoutish, with a blue sash and gold bead trimming, the slippers long and slim and gold.
“A blue ribbin for her hair, if you don’t mind, too,” said Pete Barnes. “I been always a holdin’ that there ain’t anything so tasty as a blue ribbin in a gal’s hair.”
“They don’t wear ribbons in their hair any more,” said Major Fitch. “I believe they all are using tucking combs nowadays.”
“Well, then, I give in. Our gal must be stylish, but I’d sure like a blue ribbin in her hair. Get her a good tuckin’ comb then.”
The ball was to be on Friday. Judith’s mind was so full of it she found it difficult to attend to her many self-imposed duties. 131
“Actually, Mumsy, I tried to sell anti-kink to a bald-headed white man. I really believe I shall have to give up my peddling job until after the ball is over,” she said.
Mrs. Buck had entered only half-heartedly into the plan of going to the ball, and had agreed to go only because Judith had pleaded so earnestly with her. Her best and only black silk must be taken out and sunned and aired and pressed.
“I declare, I’ve had it so long the styles have caught up with it again,” she exclaimed.