The next day was set apart for the shopping expedition, an occasion calling for anxious consideration. At Miss Margaret's suggestion Mildred drew out a list of the articles which she wished to purchase out of her twenty-five shillings of capital. It was neatly written on a sheet of note-paper, with descriptive notes attached to the various items, and red lines ruled between, so that it presented quite a superior appearance. The list ran as follows:-- New shoes (pretty ones this time,--not thick). Slippers (with buckles). Gloves (light and dark). Ribbons. Something to do up the hat. Sashes. Lace things for evening. Scent. P.F.M. Miss Margaret read the list, and shook with laughter. "Are you sure there is nothing else?" she inquired. "How much more do you expect from those poor twenty-five shillings? They can never, by any possibility, be induced to buy so much. What is the mysterious P.F.M.?" "A necessity; can't be crossed out. Oh, dear," groaned Mildred, "what a bother it is!" She tore off half a sheet of paper this time, and did not attempt any decorations. Then she went over the items one by one, sighing heavily as she did so. "I can't do without shoes; I can't do without slippers; I can't do without gloves. I might get silk ones, of course, but they make me feel creepy-creepy all over. I daren't touch anything when I have them on. I should look like one of those wax figures in shop windows, with my arms sticking out on either side! I can't do without ribbons; I can't do--well, I suppose I _could_ wear the old hat as it is, and do without scent, and a sash, and laces, or any single pretty thing to put on at night, but I don't want to! They are the most interesting things... Oh, dear, here goes!" and list number two was dashed off in disgusted haste. Shoes. Slippers. Sailor Hat. Gloves. P.F.M. "That's short enough now! All the fripperies cut out, and the dull necessities left. I can get these, I suppose, Mardie?" Miss Margaret believed that she could "with care", whereupon Mildred wrinkled her saucy nose, and said she should never have any respect for twenty-five shillings again, since it appeared that so very little could be obtained in exchange. The shopping expedition was a great success, however, in spite of all drawbacks. The purchases were pretty and good of their kind, and Mildred felt an agreeable sense of virtue in having chosen useful things rather than ornamental. She had still a little plan of her own which she was anxious to execute before returning home, and took the opportunity to make a request while waiting for change in a large drapery establishment. "I want to go to another department, Mardie. Do you mind if I leave you for a few minutes?" "Not at all. I have some little things to get too. Suppose we arrange to meet at the door in ten minutes from now?"