"Yes, wanted to go just as much as you did, and more. Now _that_ life is all over, Pete. Just as much gone as those old clothes of yours that we left to be burned. You've been a faithful, brave boy, and Miss Melody and I are going to look after you henceforth." Pete couldn't speak. Ben saw him bite his lip to control himself. The roadster started and moving slowly out of the town sped again along a country road. CHAPTER XIII The Goddess On the same day Geraldine and Miss Upton were patronizing the department stores in the city and getting such clothing as was absolutely necessary for the girl. Geraldine's purchases were rigidly simple. "I think you're downright stingy, child," commented Miss Upton when the girl had overruled certain suggestions Miss Mehitable had made with the fear of Ben Barry before her eyes. "No, indeed. Don't you see how it's counting up?" rejoined Geraldine earnestly. "All these things on your bill, and no telling how soon I can pay for them." Miss Upton noticed how the salesgirls appreciated the beauty they had to deal with, and she was in sympathy with their efforts to dress Geraldine as she deserved. There were some shops into which the girl refused to enter, and it was plain to her companion that these had been the scenes of some of her repulsive experiences. Also they shunned the restaurant where they had met; and every minute that they were on the street Geraldine held tight to Miss Upton's substantial arm. "I shall be so glad when we get home," she said repeatedly. "Now, look here," said Miss Upton, "there's one thing you've got to accept from me as a present. You're my little girl and I've a right to give you one thing, I hope." "I'd much rather you wouldn't," returned Geraldine anxiously--"not until I've paid for these." She had changed the white dress she wore into town for a dark-blue skirt and jacket which formed the chief item of her purchases, and on her head she had a black sailor hat which Miss Upton had procured in Keefe. "I want to give you," said Miss Upton--"I want to give you a--a droopy hat!" Geraldine laughed. "What in the world for, you dear? What do I need of droopy hats?" "To wear with your light things--your white dress, and--and everything." "Miss Upton, how absurd! I don't need it at all. Don't think of such a thing. I shan't go anywhere." "I don't believe you know what you'll do," returned Miss Mehitable. "Just come and try one on, anyway. I want to see you in it."