He began at once to change his shabby clothes for the new ones. He found that the articles provided were a complete outfit, including shirt, collar, cuffs, stockings; in fact, everything that was needful. The coat, pants, and vest were a neat gray, and proved to be an excellent fit. In the bosom of the shirt were neat studs, and the cuffs were supplied with sleeve-buttons to correspond. When Frank stood before the glass, completely attired, he hardly knew himself. He was as well dressed as his aristocratic acquaintance, Victor Dupont, and looked more like a city boy than a boy bred in the country.
"I never looked so well in my life," thought our young hero, complacently. "How kind Mr. Bowen is!"
Frank did not know it; but he was indebted for this gift to Susan's suggestion. When her master told her in the morning that Frank was coming to dinner, she said, "It's a pity the boy hadn't some better clothes."
"I didn't notice his clothes," said Mr. Bowen. "Are they shabby?"
"Yes; and they are almost worn out. They don't look fit for one who is going to sit at your table."
"Bless my soul! I never thought of that. You think he needs some new clothes."
"He needs them badly."
"I will call at Baldwin's, and order some ready-made; but I don't know his size."
"He's about two inches shorter than you, Mr. Bowen. Tell 'em that, and they will know. He ought to have shirts and stockings, too."
"So he shall," said the old man, quite interested. "He shall have a full rig-out from top to toe. Where shall I go for the shirts and things?"