“Well, I don’t know about buying Christmas gifts as early as this,” said Martha, after thinking a minute; “but anyhow I’m going to get a sweater for myself. This rose one is lovely. Don’t you think so?”
“It is sweet,” said Jeanette; “but would it go with everything?”
“Always the careful shopper, Janie,” laughed Nancy.
“I suppose it wouldn’t go with everything,” admitted Martha, putting it hack reluctantly. “I’ll take this tan one, I guess. That gray and violet I’ll buy for Mother. And I’ve always taken something to Christine, the girl I pal around with at home. I’ll buy the powder blue one for her.”
While the purchases were being wrapped up, Martha was looking over more sweaters; and Nancy heard her murmur to herself.
“What are you saying, Mart?” she asked. “You know it’s a bad sign, they say, when you begin talking to yourself.”
“I was just thinking that scarlet sweater would be exactly the thing I need for skating this winter. I think I’ll take that one too,” pointing it out to the clerk.
“For pity’s sake, let’s get her out of here,” whispered Nancy to Jeanette; “or she’ll have to walk home.”
“And won’t we even get the things for Joey?” asked Martha, when they were on the street again, loath to bring to a close the shopping expedition which she so dearly loved.
“Oh, we’ll each get some simple amusing toy for him. Nobody would question our remembering a sick child.”