“Virginia, child.” said Mrs. Colfax, peevishly, one morning as they sat at breakfast, “why do you persist it wearing that old gown? It has gotten on my nerves, my dear. You really must have something new made, even if there are no men here to dress for.”
“Aunt Lillian, you must not say such things. I do not think that I ever dressed to please men.”
“Tut, tut; my dear, we all do. I did, even after married your uncle. It is natural. We must not go shabby in such times as these, or be out of fashion, Did you know that Prince Napoleon was actually coming here for a visit this autumn? We must be ready for him. I am having a fitting at Miss Elder's to-day.”
Virginia was learning patience. She did not reply as she poured out her aunt's coffee.
“Jinny,” said that lady, “come with me to Elder's, and I will give you some gowns. If Comyn had been as careful of his own money as of mine, you could dress decently.”
“I think I do dress decently, Aunt Lillian,” answered the girl. “I do not need the gowns. Give me the money you intend to pay for them, and I can use it for a better purpose.”
Mrs. Colfax arranged her lace pettishly.
“I am sick and tired of this superiority, Jinny.” And in the same breath. “What would you do with it?”
Virginia lowered her voice. “Hodges goes through the lines to-morrow night. I should send it to Clarence.” “But you have no idea where Clarence is.”
“Hodges can find him.”