"My dear Kitty, there are none. It is too full, and its contents are going to be thinned to-morrow."
"Just like you. The question in your mind is not whether you need all your garments, but whether some one else is in greater need of them. So they go before you have really done with them."
"Not before I can well spare them, though every article has its destination fixed in advance. And when one has an affection for a garment, despite its age and fashion, it is sometimes a trial to part with it a little earlier than one intended, because of the shabbiness of a pensioner's best gown."
"I believe you choose your own dresses largely with a view to their second-hand usefulness, Ger," said Kathleen. "I am afraid I could not do that. I am too anxious about my own personal appearance, to trouble myself as to what the effect of my garments will be on their next wearer. I would rather buy new ones of homelier stuff, for those who are in want of them."
Geraldine laughed, and replied, "You give me more credit than I deserve, Kitty. I think quite enough of my own wants and looks. Please to remember the compliment you paid me only last night."
"It was a true one. You are always beautifully dressed, and at a far less expense than myself."
"You know how fastidious I am as to the quality of my materials, so, being good, they stand more wear, and do substantial service second-hand."
At this moment the carriage stopped in front of the principal silk mercer's in Mellingham, and soon Kathleen, assisted by Geraldine and the principal dressmaker, Miss Pritchard, was busily engaged in choosing materials for evening dresses. Then styles had to be decided upon, and a previously ordered walking-gown fitted.
Miss Pritchard was looking pale and weary, and Geraldine said, "I am afraid you are very tired to-day."
"I am, rather. We had an unexpected press of business on Monday, and more work has been promised for this week than can well be got through."