“Any sum you please not over fifty dollars.”
“I think twenty-five will do,” she said, and drew the check correctly for that amount.
“Very nicely done, daughter,” he commented in a pleased tone. “Now fold and put it into your purse.”
“What will you have me wear, papa?” she asked.
“The blue velvet suit; unless you prefer some other equally suitable to the occasion.”
“All I care about it is to please my papa,” she said, smiling up at him.
“That being the case it is well that papa has good taste, isn’t it?” he said sportively, stroking her hair and stooping to touch his lips to the pure white forehead. “Now run away and tell Aunt Chloe to dress you immediately.”
“Yes, sir, it won’t take long; because it is only to change my dress and put on hat, coat, and gloves.”
Annis, now quite ready excepting her gloves, was in her own room, the door of communication with Elsie’s apartments open as usual. Mildred, too, was there superintending her little sister’s toilet.
“Is Mammy here?” Elsie asked, looking in. “Oh, no, I see she is not. I’ll have to ring for her, because there is no time to wait, and I’m sorry, for I’m afraid she is eating her breakfast.”