It was good to see the loving look that reproved and repaid him.
"Why, Bake," she protested, "tea never hurt anybody."
"Oh, I've time enough," I said; "I have no regular days for going to Prof. Darmstetter, and the other studies—"
It was on my tongue to add: "and the other studies don't matter," but I checked the words.
"Well, you'll find it takes time," Aunt reminded me. "How about clothes, now? Suppose you show me what you brought."
And in a few minutes we were all chattering at once in discussion of my modest little wardrobe. I could feel, as each new dress was shaken from its folds, that Aunt was more dissatisfied than she would confess.
"Everything's pretty and tasteful," she conceded at last; "but—for a tea—if you could—"
If she had dared, she'd have offered to get me a dress herself.
"Oh, of course I'll need something new," I said hurriedly; "I meant to ask your advice. Nothing very costly," I was reluctantly adding. But at that moment an inspiration came to lighten the gloom.
The very thing! I'd use the money I'd saved for the microscope! I don't need one the least bit.