“I’ll buy you as many bunches of blue ribbon as you want and are willing to pay for in the same kind of coin,” said Uncle George, laying aside the napkin he had just been using, turning toward Blanche, taking her face between his hands, and bestowing several kisses upon the rosy cheeks and red lips.
“There, uncle, you helped yourself, but I didn’t give you any,” she said laughingly, as he released her, then putting her arms around his neck she returned his caresses.
“That’s the right kind of coin,” he said, “and I think I must spare you a few minutes of my valuable time. We are all done eating, and we will go up now to your aunt’s room to say good-morning to her and show you the wedding silk; for she wants the pleasure of seeing how you like it. Come along, Dorothy, George, and Will, if you care to see what impression it makes.”
All accepted the invitation and followed quickly after him and Blanche as he led her up the stairs and into Mrs. Eldon’s room, where she sat in her invalid chair, looking over the morning paper. She turned toward them as they entered, saying in a pleasant tone, “Ah, good-morning, Blanche, I am glad to see you. Good-morning, my sons. Help your cousin and yourselves to seats. My dear, you are as much at home here as I am. I’m pleased that you found time to come up again before leaving for the store. Dorothy, will you please get out the packages and let Blanche see what she thinks of the goods?”
Dorothy opened a closet door and brought out several packages done up in brown paper, handing one to her uncle. “I think you are the one to show this, sir,” she said with a smile.
“Very well,” he replied, and in another moment Blanche was gazing with delighted eyes upon the rich folds of the white silk intended for her wedding dress.
“Oh, I think it is the very loveliest thing I ever saw!” she exclaimed, clasping her hands in an ecstasy of admiration. “Thank you, uncle, thank you a thousand times! Oh, what a beautiful dress it will make trimmed with that lovely, lovely lace you have given Ethel and me for that purpose.”
“Yes, it is very handsome, and you must have veils too,” said her aunt, enjoying the sight of the young girl’s pleasure almost as much as she did that of the silk. “Show her the material for them, Dorothy.”
Dorothy obeyed, saying, “This is Aunt Sarah’s own gift toward your trousseaus.”
“Oh, auntie, thank you very much,” cried Blanche, examining it critically, “it is just lovely, and I am sure will make up beautifully.”