“Oh, my yes! I know just what I would like,” sighed Henrietta, clasping her clawlike hands. “You’ve seen them cape-suits that’s come into fashion this year, ain’t you? That’s what I’d like.”
“My dear!” gasped Amy explosively.
“I don’t mind going barefooted,” said Henrietta. “But if I could just have one dress in style! I expect you two girls wear lots of stylish things when you ain’t wearing sweaters and overall-pants like you did the other day. I never had anything stylish in my life.”
Amy burst into delighted giggles, but Jessie said:
“The poor little thing! There is a lot in that. How should we like to wear nothing but second-hand clothes?”
“‘Hand me downs’,” giggled Amy. “But mind you! A cape-coat suit! Can you beat it?”
“I saw pictures of ’em in a fashion book Mrs. McGuire sent for,” went on Henrietta. “They are awful taking.”
Little Henrietta proved to be an interesting specimen for the Norwood family that evening. Momsy took her wonted interest in so appealing a child. The serving people were curious and attentive. Mr. Norwood confessed that he was much amused by the young visitor.
A big dictionary placed in an armchair, raised little Henrietta to the proper height at the Norwood dinner table. Nothing seemed to trouble or astonish the visitor, either about the food or the service. And Jessie and Momsy wondered at the really good manners the child displayed.
Mrs. Foley had not wholly neglected her duty in Henrietta’s case. And there seemed to be, too, a natural refinement possessed by the girl that aided her through what would have seemed a trying experience.