"Friday evening, I sneaked away from Clem and went to Smithley's.
"I could hardly control my voice to speak when the proprietor came forward. I had come to a halt near the show window.
"'What's your lowest price for Jane Eyre?' I found myself saying.
"'A dollar and a half. It's a most fascinating book, but for your own reading I'd advise—'
"'Thank you, sir, but I think I'll buy those.'
"I pointed to the garters. Mr. Smithley wrapped them up and tied the package with a pink and white cord.
"I could hardly wait to get home before opening the precious parcel. I wanted to show it to mother the first thing, but she was not in and I proudly displayed it to Roxana. She eyed the garters dubiously.
"'Very easily soiled! How much did you pay for them?'
"'Thirty cents, at Smithley's.'
"'Thirty cents! The idea! For something you can't wear!'