Seven of them reached the dress-goods counter of the largest store in Mertonville, and here the little old gentleman bought black silk for a dress.
"You brought your friends, I see, General Smith," said the merchant, laughing. "One of your jokes, eh?"
"No joke at all, Crozier; a testimonial of esteem,"—and three gentlemen helped one another to tell the story.
"I'll make a good reduction, for my share," exclaimed the merchant, as he added up the figures of the bill. "Will that do, General?"
"I'll join in," promptly interposed Mr. Jeroliman, the banker, laughing. "I won't take a dare from General Smith. Come, boys."
They were old enough boys, but they all "chipped in," and General Smith's dare did not cost him much, after all.
Mary Ogden had the map of New York out upon the table that evening, and was examining it, when there came a ring at the door-bell.
"It's a boy from Crozier's with a package," said Mrs. Murdoch; "and Mary, it's for you!"
"For me?" said Mary, in blank astonishment.
It was indeed addressed to her, and contained a short note: