"Why, Bake," she protested, "tea never hurt anybody."
"Oh, I've time enough," I said; "I have no regular days for going to Prof.
Darmstetter, and the other studies--"
It was on my tongue to add: "and the other studies don't matter," but I
checked the words.
"Well, you'll find it takes time," Aunt reminded me. "How about clothes,
now? Suppose you show me what you brought."
And in a few minutes we were all chattering at once in discussion of my
modest little wardrobe. I could feel, as each new dress was shaken from
its folds, that Aunt was more dissatisfied than she would confess.
"Everything's pretty and tasteful," she conceded at last; "but--for a
tea--if you could--"
If she had dared, she'd have offered to get me a dress herself.
"Oh, of course I'll need something new," I said hurriedly; "I meant to ask
your advice. Nothing very costly," I was reluctantly adding. But at that
moment an inspiration came to lighten the gloom.
The very thing! I'd use the money I'd saved for the microscope! I don't
need one the least bit.
So I was able to add with some philosophy:--
"I never did have a nice dress, and I'd like something pretty good this
time.
Pages:
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146