FINE FEATHERS
"Isn't he the funniest and the very dearest old thing in the world!"
said Alicia, in a whisper, as Mr. Forbes disappeared. "I've got loads
of clothes, but I'm glad to have him give me a dress, for I'll warrant
it'll be about the best money can buy."
"Let's get the best New York can show us," chimed in Bernice.
"I can't do it," said Dolly, decidedly. "My mother wouldn't like me to
accept a dress from Mr. Forbes."
"Oh, fiddlesticks, Dollyrinda!" said Dotty, "it's not charity. My
mother wouldn't let me either, ordinarily speaking, but this is
different."
"How is it different?"
"Why, Mr. Forbes doesn't look on it as giving as clothes because we're
poor--"
"He does so, Dot! You can't fool me! He knows that Alicia and Bernie
can afford grand clothes and we can't, and so he gives us each a dress
to make it easy for us to take them."
Now, Alicia privately thought this was just about the truth, but
Bernice thought differently; "Rubbish!" she cried. "Uncle Jeff doesn't
think anything of the sort! He's so kind-hearted, he wants us all to
have things nice, and he doesn't even think about whether it would hurt
our feelings or not. Why, Dolly, the price of a dress is no more to
him, than a glass of soda water would be to us."
"I know that's so," and Dolly's blue eyes looked very troubled, "but it
isn't nice to take clothing from anybody but your own people."
"But Dolly," argued Alicia, "if you kick up a bobbery, and refuse to
take this kind offer, then we'll all have to do the same, and you
deprive us all of the pretty presents."
"Oh, Alicia, I'd be sorry to do that!"
"Well, that's what it would amount to. Now, be sensible, and go with us
to-morrow, and we'll all get lovely dresses, and it will please Uncle
Jeff. I know he'd be hurt and offended, if you refused, Dolly."
"I'll see about it; I'll think it over," and that was all Dolly would
say about it then.
But next morning, Mrs. Berry informed them that they were asked to an
At Home at Mrs. Brown's that afternoon, from four till seven, and she
further said that of her knowledge, it would be an occasion where the
nicest possible apparel would be required.
"Gorgeous!" cried Alicia; "Uncle Jeff told us yesterday, we could get
new frocks as presents from him. We can get them at Follansbee's, and
if they need alteration, they'll do it for us at once, as the case is
so especial."
Dolly's objections were overruled, even Mrs. Berry siding with the
other girls.
"Yes, indeed, Dolly," she said; "you will spoil the pleasure of the
others if you refuse to do as they do. And it would grieve Mr. Forbes
if he thought you didn't appreciate or accept his kind offer. Run
along, girls, all of you, and get your hats and coats, the car will be
here in a few minutes."
"Won't you go with us, Mrs. Berry," asked Dolly, "to help pick them
out? We don't know about these things as well as some one who lives in
the city."
"No, dearies. But you won't have any trouble Just ask for Mrs. Baxter
at Follansbee's and her judgment will be the right thing. Be sure to
take what she advises. She'll know."
In gay spirits the quartette started off, Dolly joining in the general
enthusiasm, for having decided to do as the others did, she had no wish
to hesitate further.
Mrs. Baxter was more than pleased to advise and suggest to Jefferson
Forbes' relatives, and she had her assistants bring out dozens of
frocks for inspection.
At last, after much discussion and trying on, the four were selected
and were promised for two o'clock that afternoon. What slight
alterations were necessary could be done in that time, and there would
be no doubt of prompt delivery.
The dresses were absolutely unlike any the girls had ever owned before.
They were all imported models, and though of finest materials, were
simple in fabric and design. Yet they had an air and an effect never
achieved by a village dressmaker or a department store.
Dolly's was of fine white net, frilled with delicate lace, and adorned
with tiny rosebud garlands, and knots of pale blue velvet.
Dotty's, of apricot pink crepe, with hints of silver lace peeping
through its chiffon draperies. Alicia's was corn-coloured crepe de
chine with cherry velvet decorations, and Bernice rejoiced in a white
embroidered net, made up over green silk.
All had that indefinable charm which betokens the genius of a great
modiste, and the girls were enchanted with the wonderful robes.
"But what awful prices!" said Dolly, as they drove away from the shop.
"I'm sure mother will be displeased. I feel awfully about it."
"Now, Doll," said Dotty, sensibly, "you can't help it now. So don't let
it spoil your pleasure and ours too. When we get home you can tell your
mother just how it was. I'll tell her too, and I'm sure she'll see that
you couldn't do anything else than get the frock, or kick up a terrible
bobbery!"
This was common sense, as Dotty's remarks often were, so Dolly accepted
the situation, and made the best of it.
And that afternoon, when they were all arrayed in the new frocks, and
presented themselves to Uncle Jeff for inspection, his approval was so
hearty, that Dolly was very glad she hadn't put a damper on the whole
thing by remaining obstinate.
"You are visions of beauty," he declared, as he looked at each in turn.
"Madame Who-ever-it-was, turned you out remarkably well. I don't know
much about feminine millinery, but I've a general idea of the fitness
of things. And I'll bet a thousand dollars that these affairs are in
better taste than the rigs you had on yesterday, though those were far
gayer."
"You do know a lot about it, Uncle," said Bernice. "These are way ahead
of our best dresses, but it's because they came from a high class shop.
And when you get the bill you'll open your eyes!"
"That's all right, Bernie. I'm an old bachelor, you know, and never
before have I had the privilege of buying dresses for anybody. I'm
downright glad if you girls are pleased with these, and I'm downright
proud of the little cavalcade setting forth from my house."
The courteous old gentleman made a profound bow and the girls curtseyed
in response. Then off they went to the party.
As Mrs. Berry had foretold, fine clothes were the order of the day at
the Brown house. Everything was as formal as a grown-up affair. The
girls were ushered to a dressing-room to take off their wraps, and then
at the drawing-room door, their names were announced by an
imposing-looking personage in livery, and they were swept along into
the room, by the crush of others behind them.
Mrs. Brown and her daughter were receiving, and they greeted each
arrival with gay banter and smiles.
"Ah, my dears, how do you do?" said Mrs. Brown to our girls. "I am so
glad to welcome Mr. Forbes' young people. Muriel, dear, these are the
girls daddy told you about last night. 'Member?"
"'Course I do. Aw'fly jolly to have you here. Sweet of you to come.
Wish I could chin-chin more, but I'll see you after the rush is over."
They passed in line, saying scarce a word beyond a mere greeting, and
following the example of their predecessors they took seats in what
seemed to be a large auditorium. A curtained stage faced them, and they
looked about at the fast gathering audience. It was a merry crowd of
young people all laughing and chattering, and all arrayed in beautiful
clothes after the order of those the girls wore themselves. There were
many boys present, too, and they moved easily about, joking with their
friends here and there. Presently two boys drifted toward our
quartette, and one of them said, "What'll be the show, do you know?"
"No," said Dotty, her black eyes dancing with the excitement of the
scene; "what do you guess?"
"Dunno. Last time they had minstrels, and the time before, a magicker."
"Legerdemain?"
"Yes; rabbits out of hats, and that sort. Can't we sit here? Engaged?"
"No," and Dotty smiled as she looked toward the other girls for their
consent.
"Oh, let us stay," said the other boy, in a wheedling voice. "We'll be
awfully good,--so good you won't know us."
"We don't know you, anyway," laughed Alicia, and the first boy
responded, "Sure enough. Roof's the introduction, you know, but I'll
add that this marvellously handsome companion of mine is one Geordie
Knapp, and I'm Ted Hosmer, very much at your service."
"Well," said Alicia, "we're Miss Forbes, Miss Fayre, Miss Rose and Miss
Steele. Shall I tell you which is which, or let you guess?"
"Let us Sherlock it out!" exclaimed Geordie Knapp. "I know you're Miss
Steele because you mentioned yourself last.'"
"Right!" and Dotty clapped her hands in admiration of his quickness.
"Now, which am I?"
"Rosy Posy!" declared Ted Hosmer, little thinking he had guessed
correctly, but saying so because of Dotty's pink cheeks.
"Yes, sir! you ARE a Sherlock Holmes. Now which is Miss Forbes?"
"I'm not going to guess any more, I'll spoil my record," and Ted looked
uncertainly from Dolly to Bernice. "But as you two are named Forbes and
Fayre, I'll call you both Miss F., and so be sure of you."
And then the curtain began to rise, and the young people became silent.
The entertainment was very amusing, being entirely in pantomime, and
performed by exceedingly clever actors.
The story depicted was funny, and the antics of the performers were
novel and humorous, and the room resounded with laughter from the
appreciative audience. There were about a hundred young people present
yet the large room was only partly filled. Dolly concluded, as she
looked about, that it was a sort of small theatre where Mr. Brown
rehearsed his own plays. In this she was partly right, although it had
been built more for entertainment of the actor's guests. James Brown,
or Bayne Coriell, as he was more often called, stood very high in his
profession, and had hosts of friends and acquaintances. His wife was
popular, too, and Muriel was just beginning to take her place in
society.
After the pantomime was over, two celebrated dancers gave an exhibition
of their skill, and then Miss Marie Desmond appeared and sang two of
her songs from "The Lass and the Lascar."
Dolly was enthralled. She sat, listening to every note, and admiring
the graceful manner and deportment of Miss Desmond as well as enjoying
her music.
"Well, you seemed to care for that, Miss F.," said Ted Hosmer. "You
didn't move an eyelash while Marie was on!"
"Oh, I did enjoy it!" and Dolly's eyes shone with delight. "Isn't she a
splendid singer!"
"Top notch! I like her lots. Hello, here's our charming hostess."
The programme was over now, and Muriel Brown sought out the Forbes
party to invite them to the refreshment room.
"I feel that I know you," she laughed, "from Dad's description. He says
the fair girl is Miss Fayre, and the rosy girl, Miss Rose."
"Oh, that's it, is it?" cried Ted; "then this is Miss Forbes, and now
all the problems are solved!" He looked at Bernice, who acknowledged
the fact, and then Muriel was pounced upon by a rush of young people,
and literally carried away.
"Great girl, Muriel," said young Hosmer. "Never saw such a favourite. I
say, mayn't we take you girls to the supper room? Or don't you eat?"
"Indeed we do," said Alicia, laughing, "but I may as well own up I'm so
interested in looking about me, I'm not conscious of hunger."
"Well, come ahead to the dining-room, and you can eat and look about at
the same time. I'll corral a couple more henchmen to help in your
services and we'll flock by ourselves."
Geordie whistled to a couple of his chums, whom he presented as Marly
Turner and Sam Graves.
"Now," went on Geordie, who was a born manager, "we're eight of
us,--that's enough for a table to our own selves. Nail one, Samivel."
The way to the dining-room lay through a crush of guests, every one, it
seemed, headed in a different direction.
"Why don't they all go one way?" asked Dotty,
"Few of 'em eat," replied Ted. "Most of 'em going on. But the food's
always fine here, and anyway you girls want to see the dining-room if
you've never been here before. It's a whole show."
It was. The splendid great room, with vaulted ceiling, represented an
old English hall. There was a raised platform across the end and a
gallery on either side. Fine paintings and tapestries adorned the
walls, and a multitude of small tables offered places for all who chose
to sit at them.
"Here we are," and the boys decided on a table in a desirable position,
from which the girls could see the gay scene. "Now for some supper."
Obsequious waiters appeared and soon the party was served with viands
fit for a king.
"Told you so," said Ted. "Trust the Coriell bunch to give you eats
worth-while. Oh, I guess yes!"
"But it's getting so late," sighed Dolly, as she caught sight of an old
English clock that hung near by. "And Mr. Brown promised me I could
speak to Miss Desmond. I'm afraid she'll be gone."
"'Fraid she's gone now," said Ted. "But I'll flee and discover."
He left them and threaded his way among the crowd.
"Here we are!" he cried gaily, as he returned, bringing the lady in
question. "Just caught her on the fly. Trust little Teddums to get you
what you want, Miss Fair Dolly."
Marie Desmond greeted the girls as Ted named them.
"You lovely kiddies!" she cried. "What a delectable bunch! I could eat
you all up. And your frocks! Paris! I know; you needn't tell ME! Are
you all sisters? Oh, no, I remember now; you have variegated names.
Which one of you wanted to talk to me? I've a whole minute to spare!
Never say I'M not a lady of leisure!"
"I'm the one," said Dolly, her eyes fixed on the lovely, laughing face
of the actress. "But a minute is no good, thank you. I want to talk to
you about a whole day!"
"Oh, I DO wish we could manage it," and Miss Desmond appeared to think
that was the one thing on earth she desired. But Dolly noted her
wandering attention, and was not surprised when she left them as
suddenly as she had come, and with a fleeting, smiling good-bye.
"Oh, isn't she exquisite!" breathed Dolly, her eyes on the disappearing
figure.
"You bet she is!" assented Marly Turner. "And it's a wonder she took a
step out of her way to speak to us kids. But friends of Coriell,--of
course."
"Is she so very busy?" asked Dolly her eyes wide with interest.
"Well, she's a society belle as well as a popular actress. So, I
s'pose, she has more or less on all the time. There's no time for much
of anything in New York. I say, can't us fellows come to see you girls?
When? Where?"
"I don't know," said Dolly, mindful of the Coriell episode. "I'm not
going to say yes till I know what's right. I'll ask Uncle Forbes."
"Do. Here's a telephone call that'll reach us. Let us come soon." And
then Mrs. Brown appeared, spoke a few words to the girls, and the hoys
with them, and in a moment everybody was going home. Our girls followed
the example set them, said their good-byes, went to the cloak-room for
their wraps, and bade the footman at the door call the Forbes car.