Tom drew the two women to him who had been so much to him, while all laughed at the demonstration of affection.
“A bright group worthy of a larger audience,” said Helen, as she breaks in on their meeting.
“But the fine clothes,” said Scoris.
Nellie laughed and struck an attitude that the girls might see all the beauty of the costume, while all were convulsed with laughter at the faces she made.
“Has that colony struck a gold mine?” Helen asked, “or from whence cometh all this grandeur?”
“Yes and no,” continued Tom. “We have struck a mine of wealth and it produces gold when that metal is desired. So it amounts to the same thing and it is the greatest mine on earth, too, for it is producing what gold cannot buy, and that is the kindly interest and affection of our members. We all stand by each other.”
“We have something here for you, Scoris, so you can take your choice. You come first then. Helen, then we will send the rest to other workers in the cause. We want you to help us select and sort them.”
“Why, Nellie,” said Scoris, “these are beautiful. I never had anything like this silk, and when can I wear it?”
“The occasion will be marked by well dressed members of the Colony,” Tom said, “and it is just as it should be. Our coronation days should be so distinguished by well dressed people that they will always be remembered and the picture will make a decided impression upon the minds of every one.”
“Oh,” exclaimed Scoris, “here is something I have wanted for years. It is so light, cool and beautiful, these dainty lawns, these woolens, silks and cloths. Why, they will last me for years. Everything I need is here in the way of clothing.”