Frances Bent Dillingham

“ As they went downstairs and past the candy counter, Lucy’s father stopped; for one wild moment Lucy actually hoped he was going to buy her some candy. But that delightful and unheard-of possibility was soon dispelled, for did not six dollars and a half for the coat and fifty cents for the cap make seven dollars? Then her father said:
“Will you wait here, Lucy, till I go down to the store and get some more money? I have n't even car-fare for your trip home. But I ’ll be back in a little while. The store ’s not far away. You don’t mind waiting, do you?” ”

“ It hung almost to the floor; her dress-skirt was but a little below her knees.
“You can wear it several seasons if you get it long enough,” said the princess.
The face of Lucy’s father lighted again, “That ’s a good idea, Lucy,”
“The sleeves are so big and long!” Lucy could not see her fingers below as she looked down on her sleeves.
“But mama said the other sleeves were too short, Lucy. It’s a good thing to have sleeves long.”
“Yes, it’s always a good thing to have coats a little large,” said the princess, “All our customers buy children’s garments a little large. ”

“ Mr. Chase is very anxious to work them off.”
“‘I do believe that is the kind your mother wanted.’”
Mr. Saunders noticed the brown coat on the form. “Is that the one you liked?” he asked.
Lucy nodded. “But it’s ten dollars,” she whispered, tugging his hand.
“Take it down and put it on her, please,” said Mr. Saunders, commanding the now obedient princess. Lucy stood motionless while the brown coat was being tried on.
He watched her as she walked to the mirror.
“What do you think of that?” Mr. Saunders asked the lady. ”