“No,” said Ethel, “some of it was done months ago and intended for sale.”
“Oh, yes; before your engagement?”
“Yes; you see I had no other employment for my fingers while chatting with Mrs. Landreth and the others in Mrs. Keith’s parlor or on the porches during the day. Of course in the evening, after sundown, we all gave our eyes and fingers a rest.”
“But not ears and tongues, I presume,” laughed Dorothy. “Well, it seems there will hardly need to be much more sewing done except on the dresses. The shopping for them will be very enjoyable, I think; for I dearly love to look at pretty things. Suppose we make a beginning this afternoon. The uncles will supply the needed money if we go down to the office for it. Indeed we can buy a good deal from them, telling them they are to let us have the goods at wholesale prices; and if they object that they are not retailers, we will consent to take them in wholesale quantities.”
“That might do very well,” Ethel said with a smile, “if you will engage to be bridesmaid and wear a dress off the same piece with Blanche’s and mine.”
“No objection in the world to that, if Blanche agrees to it,” said Dorothy. “But what a pity your uncles haven’t kept the kind of goods you sell! It might have been such a help to you. Now please run down and send Blanche up to show me her pretty things. After that, if you like, we will start out on our expedition.”
Ethel did as requested. Blanche’s garments were displayed, and received as high commendation as those of her sister; then Ethel dressed for the street, and she and Dorothy started out for the proposed call upon the uncles, and the shopping that was to follow.
“Ah, young ladies, how do you do? Whatever may have brought you, I am pleased to see your bonny faces,” was Mr. George Eldon’s greeting as they entered his office, where they found him alone, his brother having gone out on some errand connected with their business. “Sit down and tell me your errand; for I presume you have one.”
“Yes, uncle, we are out shopping for wedding dresses,” returned Dorothy laughingly.
“And want some money, I suppose,” he said, turning to his desk.