“This way, please!” said she.
The next moment Edina found herself in a tiny cubicle just large enough to admit her and Billie, a chair or two, a tiny table and the saleswoman.
The saleswoman, en route, had picked up two frocks and a coat of soft, rich-looking material.
“Take off your things, Edina,” directed Billie, beginning to enjoy herself thoroughly. “This coat is adorable. I’d love it myself. What are you waiting for?” as Edina continued to regard her in a dazed way and made no motion to remove her dowdy cloak.
“You don’t mean I’ve got to—to undress here—before a stranger?” stammered Edina and flushed crimson at the saleswoman’s momentary and involuntary giggle.
Billie ached to echo the giggle but she only said gravely:
“Only to your slip, Edina. And we’re all girls together. What difference can it make?”
As at the moment before they entered the barber shop, Billie had the impression that Edina was about to balk. She favored her protégé with a severe look and waggled a finger beneath Edina’s decided nose.
“You do as I say, young lady, or back we go to Three Towers with only a haircut to show for our pains.”
Edina hesitated, glanced appealingly at a ruthless Billie—and capitulated.