Children's stories; Young women -- Juvenile fiction
We cannot go into the next day's shopping, though it was a very
enjoyable day for the two people engaged. Some things however
must be mentioned, on account of words and thoughts to which
they gave occasion.
The business on hand this day was the getting of New Year's gifts
for everybody in general. And as, with the exception of the Hollow
people, it had also to be for everybody in particular, the work was
slow.
Wych Hazel wanted a secretary for Primrose, in the first place. A
very beautiful one was found, very perfect also, of some light-
coloured ornamental wood, finely inlaid, price three hundred
dollars. On the other hand, Rollo got one, a larger one, and equally
good, for Arthur Maryland, for just half the money. One for Prim
was to be had for a third of the money; but it was unadorned black
walnut, and less elegant in form, and Wych Hazel recoiled. She
would have got the first without hesitation, only she could not
coax any encouragement out of Rollo.
'Do you think she would like this plain one better? Do _you?_'
'Suppose the difference, in the charge of a note, lay in one of the
drawers, for Prim's poor people? Which do you think would give
her most pleasure?'
'O _that_,if you put it so. But I wish I could suit myself too.'
'You can suit yourself too,' said Dane smiling.
'I'll think about it as we go along. You see,' she said meditatively,
'I could put the cheque in, just the same.'
The next place in order was Stewart's.
'I have something to get for Prim, too,' said Rollo as the carriage
stopped. 'I have provided a new patent upright trunk; and I propose
to stock all its compartments. Will you help me? Else, I am afraid,
I shall never know all that ought to go in.'
'Well,' said Wych Hazel,'is it to be filled with Prim's ideas, or
mine?'
'Let us give her what she can use and enjoy; every comfort we can
think of; and nothing that would not be a comfort. You wonder at
my choice of a present, perhaps; but Dr. Maryland's means are
very limited, and I know Rosy often hesitates about a new pair of
gloves.'
'I can choose gloves,' said Hazel confidently. 'But thenDane"
'Well?' said he, smiling, as he pushed open the swinging door.
Hazel walked on in a brown study.
'Never mind,let me see you begin, and maybe I shall learn how
to go on,' she said, as they paused before one of the dress goods
counters.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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