s Asenath something, if only a
tight bouquet of flowers from the plants brought into the house for the
winter, every birthday anniversary since she was old enough to lisp
"birfday" and comprehend its significance, had forgotten that this
event was so near. She could have made her a gift as she generally did
had there been time to finish it and send it so it would reach the Farm
on the twentieth; but it would not be a birthday gift if Miss Asenath
did not get it on her birthday (this was logic to Arethusa); so in her
distress she had appealed to Elinor.

And Elinor, after asking if Miss Asenath ever wore shawls and learning
that she did all the winter through, suggested that Arethusa purchase
her a rose-colored shoulder shawl of silk and several yards of
rose-colored ribbon to match for the locket. If it was started today,
it would reach there in time.

Charming Idea!

So Arethusa was to take the automobile, as Elinor had a Board meeting
of importance this morning and could not go with her; seek the
magnificent establishment where she had accompanied her mother so many
times to shop; inquire of a floor-walker the location of the department
of shawls; purchase one of the same, and charge it to Elinor's name and
address; and return home in the machine. Such were the directions given
by Elinor.

They seemed to cover every detail for the buying of Miss Asenath's
birthday gift; and, moreover, sounded very simple. As viewed by
Arethusa, although Miss Eliza would have been horrified at the bare
suggestion, she could surely buy one rose-colored silk shawl without
assistance.

She loved her reflection in the mirror when she was dressed for this
adventure; a jaunty new hat with a flyaway feather, a new suit, and
even gloves and shoes as slim as Miss Warren's. And besides, pride of
her heart, her costume was enhanced with furs of rich, dark brown, as
silky smooth in appearance as those she had envied that visitor who had
been so trying a visitor. There was also, a half-formed Hope within
that when she looked so well as she did this morning she would meet the
Wonderful Mr. Bennet somewhere downtown that made her eyes shine, which
added to the attractiveness of the reflection.

She left the car in front of the big shop and bade Clay wait for her
with an air of dignity that was an almost ludicrous imitation of
Elinor's manner of uttering the same words. Clay smiled broadly as he
touched his cap, recognizing her model.

Areth