She set her pretty mouth defiantly. She expected an argument. But he mother only shrugged her shoulders and said,
"We could make your blue dress look real nice with a few trimmings."
They discussed ways and means until long after the younger children were in bed and asleep.
By Saturday night the dress was ready, and Lila had turned her week's wages back into the coffers of the department store where she worked in exchange for a pair of near-silk brown stockings and a pair of stylish oxford ties of patent leather.
"You look like a show-girl," was Fannie's enthusiastic comment. "I wouldn't have believed it of you. Why, Lila, you're a regular little peach!"
Lila became crimson with joy.
They boarded the subway for Simpson Street. The atmosphere was hot and rancid. The two girls found standing-room only. Whenever the express curved they were thrown violently from one side of the car to the other. A young man who stood near them made a point on these occasions of laying a hand on Lila's waist to steady her. She didn't know whether it was proper to be angry or grateful.
"Don't pay any attention to him," said Fannie; "he's just trying to be fresh, and he doesn't know how."
She said it loud enough for the young man to hear. Lila was very much frightened.
They left the subway at Simpson Street and boarded a jammed trolley-car for Westchester. Fannie paid all the fares.