After hearty greetings from Mrs. Harvey they all sat down and Mrs. Harvey said:
"I'm glad you came over. We—Isabel and I—feel that we should do something for you socially. I would like to have you come over some Wednesday and pour tea for me. It's just my afternoon at home, and friends drop in and chatter a little while; perhaps you'd enjoy it."
"O, you're very kind!" Rose said, dimly divining that this was a valuable privilege, "but I really couldn't do it. I—I'm not up to that."
"O, yes, you are. You'd look like a painting by Boldini up against that tapestry, with your hair brought low, the way you wore it concert night."
Isabel put in a word. "It isn't anything to scare you, Rose. It's hardly more formal than at college, only there won't be any men. It will introduce you to some nice girls, and we'll make it as easy for you as we can."
"O, yes, indeed; you can sit at the table with Isabel."
"O, it isn't that," Rose said, looking down. "I haven't anything suitable to wear." She went on quickly, as if to put an end to the whole matter. "I'm a farmer's girl living on five hundred dollars a year, and I can't afford fifty dollar dresses. I haven't found out any way to earn money, and I can't ask my father to buy me clothes to wear at teas. You all are very kind to me, but I must tell you that it's all out of my reach."
The other women looked at each other while Rose hurried through this. Mrs. Harvey was prepared at the close:
"There, now, my dear! don't let that trouble you. Any simple little gown will do."
"It's out of the question, Mrs. Harvey, until I can buy my own dresses. I can't ask my father to buy anything more than is strictly necessary."