“In that case you can lay it aside for use when you become a bride yourself,” said Mr. Eldon. “Here, Smith,” to one of the clerks, “take charge of this package and see that it is sent up to my house some time in the course of the day. Now, young ladies,” leading the way to another part of the store, where he showed them some beautiful laces, saying, “Select whichever you like best for trimming the dresses and bridal veils.”
“Oh, uncle, it is too much!” exclaimed Ethel humbly. “It would be lovely, but we can do very well without such things.”
“Yes,” he said, “I presume the knots could be tied just as tight without any such adornment for the brides, but I must acknowledge that I shall take some pride and pleasure in seeing my nieces suitably adorned for their bridal. Nor am I going to ruin myself doing it. I have no daughters of my own, you know, so may well afford it for you and Blanche; Dorothy, also, when her turn comes.”
“Thank you, uncle,” laughed Dorothy, “but I am doubtful of ever wanting bridal attire; good men and true are so scarce, you know—out of the family, I mean, of course—but I am exceedingly obliged for the bridesmaid’s dress you have so generously bestowed upon me.”
“You are most welcome,” he replied. “Will you take the lace with you? or shall I send it with the dress goods?”
“Oh, I will carry it myself if you’ll let me,” said Dorothy. “Blanche must see it, and I promise to take the best possible care of it.”
“Very well,” he returned. “We will go back to the office now, for I must give you some money to do such shopping as must needs be done elsewhere.”
“I feel as if I were really in danger of impoverishing you, uncle, dear,” said Ethel as he put a roll of banknotes in her hand.
“Not at all, as you don’t marry every day,” he said laughingly. “In that case it might do some damage. I wish you success with your shopping, and shall be glad to see you, Blanche, and Harry too whenever you see fit to close out your business and come to make your home with us until you want to change for the western one in prospect before you. Your Aunt Sarah and I are both ready to give you a warm welcome.”
“Dear uncle,” Ethel said with emotion, “you could scarcely be kinder to us if we were your own daughters.”