Mrs. Courtney having—as she reminded Mrs. Merryman—no daughter of her own, asked as a favor that she be allowed to exercise her taste in providing an outfit for Hilda which might not be convenient to obtain in her new home.
Mrs. Merryman, taking the offer in the spirit it was made, gave glad consent, and it was decided that Hilda should accompany Mrs. Courtney to Baltimore that morning upon a shopping expedition.
This was a charming surprise to Hilda. She was ready by the time Mrs. Courtney and Mrs. Merryman had discussed the needs of the prospective young traveler, and it seemed like a fairy story that instead of walking to school, she was spinning along the pleasant road between Dorton and Baltimore in a roomy, comfortable carriage behind a pair of fine bay horses, and with the charming companionship of Mrs. Courtney.
Shopping proved to be the most attractive of amusements as they drove from one business house to another, and to the inexperienced girl Mrs. Courtney’s purse seemed inexhaustible.
“One article that Mrs. Merryman and I agreed upon as being indispensable is a large trunk,” Mrs. Courtney remarked as they reached the city. “We will buy it the first article, and all the other purchases can be taken home in it.”
Hilda was charmed with the selection made. It was handsome, substantial and commodious, with many little compartments dear to the heart of the feminine traveler.
The buying of dress goods came next, and Hilda was in her element, and Mrs. Courtney was surprised at the judgment she evinced in selecting what was suitable to her age and appearance.
Wraps, hats, gloves, ruffles, and all the articles which complete a girl’s wardrobe were rapidly filling the trunk which Mose had strapped on the rack on the back of the carriage.
“Now, dear Hilda, I have a favor to ask of you, and that is to sit for your picture. Mrs. Merryman wishes one, I should like to have one, and brother Valentine would be pleased to have you present one to him.”
“And one for Miss Jerusha Flint,” supplemented Hilda, laughingly.