It was no use talking to Caroline, and yet Mr. Landor had asked her to take charge of Charlotte, and Caroline had no right to assume command. Miss Virginia wished they had not agreed to take the child.
She paced back and forth on the front porch one afternoon, thinking of all this and of the peaceful days of the past, feeling that dulness was better than problems like these. Across Pleasant Street was the little shop already showing signs of habitation. As she stood idly with her hand on the rail, a boy came up the walk and handed her what at first glance she thought was a note, but it proved on investigation to be an announcement.
| The Pleasant Street Shop | |
| will open | |
| Wednesday, October Second | |
| Dainty Turnovers | Pretty Draperies |
| Ribbons | Bright Chintzes |
| Baskets | |
| Pottery | |
| Needles and Pins and Other Small Matters | |
| A Specialty. | |
"How absurd!" thought Miss Virginia. "A shop of this sort in the Terrace!"
"Have you heard about the new shop, Miss Virginia?" called Alexina Russell from the gate.
Miss Wilbur held up the card. "I am just reading the announcement. Who can be starting it? and isn't it too bad?" As she spoke, she descended the steps and joined the young girl.
"It is the funniest little place I ever saw," answered Alex. "I suppose it is not nice to have shops springing up in the neighborhood, but—sometimes I wish I were going to keep a shop."
"My dear! I trust you will never have to do that."
"Haven't you ever felt that you would like to be doing something?—to be in things—part of the real working world?" Alexina spoke with fervor.
"I never wanted to keep a shop, I am sure," answered Miss Wilbur.