over the wedding gowns.
“I waited a moment for you, my dear, because I’m in haste, and
very glad to save myself a journey or a note,” began the newcomer
in a low tone as Rose shook hands with the most affectionate
respect. “You know the great box factory was burned a day or two
ago and over a hundred girls thrown out of work. Some were hurt
and are in the hospital, many have no homes to go to, and nearly
all need temporary help of some sort. We’ve had so many calls this
winter I hardly know which way to turn, for want is pressing, and
I’ve had my finger in so many purses I’m almost ashamed to ask
again. Any little contribution ah, thank you, I was sure you
wouldn’t fail me, my good child,” and Mrs. Gardener warmly
pressed the hand that went so quickly into the little porte-monnaie
and came out so generously filled.
“Let me know how else I can help, and thank you very much for
allowing me to have a share in your good works,” said Rose,
forgetting all about gay gowns as she watched the black bonnet go
briskly away with an approving smile on the fine old face inside it.
“You extravagant thing! How could you give so much?” whispered
Kitty, whose curious eye had seen three figures on the single bill
which had so rapidly changed hands.
“I believe if Mrs. Gardener asked me for my head I should give it
to her,” answered Rose lightly, then, turning to the silks, she asked,
“Which have you decided upon, the yellow white or the blue, the
corded or the striped??
“I’ve decided nothing; except that you are to have the pink and
wear it at my ahem! ball,” said Kitty, who had made up her mind,
but could not give her orders till Mama had been consulted.
“No, I can’t afford it just yet. I never overstep my allowance, and I
shall have to if I get any more finery. Come, we ought not to waste
time here if you have all the patterns you want.” And Rose walked
quickly away, glad that it was out of her power to break through
two resolutions which hitherto had been faithfully kept one to
dress simply for example’s sake, the other not to be extravagant for
charity’s sake.
As Rosamond had her day of misfortunes, so this seemed to be one
of small temptations to Rose. After she had set Kitty down at home
and been to see her new houses, she drove about doing various
errands for the aunts and, while waiting in the carriage for the
execution of an order, young Pemberton came by.
As Steve said, this gentleman had been “hard hit” and still hovered
mothlike about the forbidden light. Being the most eligible parti of
the season, his regard was considered a distinction to be proud of,
and Rose had been well scolded by Aunt Clara for refusing so
honorable a mate. The girl liked him, and he was the suitor of
whom she had spoken so respectfully to Dr. Alec because he had
no need of the heiress and had sincerely loved Rose. He had been
away, and she hoped had gotten over his disappointment as happily
as the rest, but now when he saw her, and came hurrying up so
hungry for a word, she felt that he had not forgotten and was too
kind to chill him with the bow which plainly says “Don’t stop.?
A personable youth was Pemberton, and had brought with him
from the wilds of Canada a sable-lined overcoat which was the
envy of every masculine and the admiration of every feminine
friend he had, and as he stood at her carriage window Rose knew
that this luxurious garment and its stalwart wearer were objects of
interest to the passersby. It chanced that the tide of shoppers
flowed in that direction and, as she chatted, familiar faces often
passed with glances, smiles, and nods of varying curiosity,
significance, and wonder.
She could not help feeling a certain satisfaction in giving him a
moment’s pleasure, since she could do no more, but it was not that