Part 51 (1/2)

Kitty Clark stood before a pile of fluffy, s.h.i.+mmering gowns at Hollander's, her hands clasped ecstatically, her face wreathed in smiles.

”Girls!” she cried, ”Sarah! Amanda! Did you hear what Blue Bonnet said?

We are each to choose a gown--a dinner gown and a party coat; gifts from Mr. Ashe. Did you ever hear of anything so splendid in your lives? Just fancy being able to _choose_ what one really wants, and not something that will 'do nicely!' A party coat, too, Blue Bonnet? You're sure you're not mistaken? Why, it will cost a fearful lot for six of us!”

”I don't think you need worry about that, Kitty Kat. Uncle Cliff isn't minding the price. Just choose something pretty and becoming. Carita and I are to select, too. Come on, girls!”

”But, Blue Bonnet!” it was practical Sarah who spoke, ”we mustn't be extravagant just because your uncle has been so good. Didn't he put a limit on the price?”

”No, he did not, Sarah. Uncle Cliff doesn't put a limit on what he gives. He said to get what you each liked. You'd better get busy.

Kitty's going to have the pick if you don't.”

Kitty was already holding up the daintiest blue embroidered chiffon.

”Isn't this perfectly exquisite?” she said, catching Blue Bonnet's glance. The saleswoman came forward with a pale green messaline.

”The young lady could wear either of these, with her hair,” she remarked.

”Put one of them on, Kitty,” Blue Bonnet suggested. ”One could hardly choose, they are both so dear. The blue one is simpler, I think, and blue is your color.”

Kitty emerged presently from the dressing-room in the blue gown. The girls exclaimed in a breath. Kitty looked charming. The saleswoman selected a blue velvet wrap of a darker shade and threw it over Kitty's shoulders. The effect was enchanting.

”Kitty!” Blue Bonnet cried, ”that's simply stunning! Wait a minute--keep it on until I get Grandmother and Uncle Cliff.”

Grandmother and Uncle Cliff beheld the transformation in silence for a minute. Grandmother spoke first.

”It is very beautiful, Kitty--very--but I fear--Is it not a little old for you, dear?”

Kitty looked her disappointment, and the saleswoman came to the rescue.

”The gown is one of our young girl models, madam, and really very simple. The coat is not elaborate either. Indeed it is very plain--as coats go now. I think the young lady could scarcely make a mistake in choosing them.”

Mr. Ashe smiled his approval.

”You like them, Kitty?” he asked.

”Oh, Mr. Ashe, I perfectly adore them!”

”Then if Mrs. Clyde thinks them suitable, take them, by all means.”

Mrs. Clyde hesitated. She wished that her daughter had not selected this hour to attend to business matters. She would have liked her approval.

”I wish your Aunt Lucinda might see them first, dear,” she said to Blue Bonnet. ”I hardly feel capable of choosing for Kitty.”

”But Aunt Lucinda said she couldn't possibly get through with her affairs before lunch, Grandmother--you remember hearing her say that, don't you? Well, you see we've got to choose quickly, because the girls want to wear the gowns to the dinner to-night, and if there are any alterations it couldn't be managed. Anyway, Grandmother, I _know_ they're all right. They aren't a speck more elaborate than the girls at Miss North's wear. Please let Kitty have them.”

And Mrs. Clyde, under pressure of the argument and the moment, capitulated.

Kitty moved off toward the dressing-room in a transport of happiness, and the other girls in turn made their selections. Debby found a rose-colored dress that suited her admirably; Sarah, after much deliberation, chose a substantial afternoon gown that would serve for dinner and party also; a gown that would have pleased Aunt Lucinda down to the ground. Amanda made her selection after the order of Kitty's; a white embroidered swiss over a pink slip, with a wrap that blended, and yet appeared substantial; while Susy and Ruth, showing extremely good judgment, abided by Mrs. Clyde's decision, and selected simple sheer white organdies with charming sashes, and girlish looking coats of dark red broadcloth.

Carita and Blue Bonnet waited until all the others had been supplied.