Im sure we will find just what we want, dear Mrs. Evans, but we are grateful to you for being so kind to us, said Polly.
My dear child, I feel that I have done nothing in comparison to all you have done for me and mine. To know that my dear brother had friends during the last days of his life, means so much to me. I always had a horrible feeling that he died in the Klondike without money or friends; and Mrs. Evans hurriedly dried the tears welling up in her eyes.
Of course, that launched the conversation about Old Man Montresor, and so interested were all concerned, that Mrs. Evans started when she heard the mantel clock chime the hour.
Merciful goodness! Here am I my first call, and staying all day! she laughed.
Its not late, Mrs. Evans. We were only going to look up a first-class shop where Polly can buy a few things, replied Anne.
Perhaps I can be of service in recommending a place?
Several shops of quality were spoken of, and as these were located on Fifth avenue, not far from Forty-second street, everyone felt relieved. It would not take much time to do this necessary shopping, but Mrs. Stewart preferred to remain at the hotel.
Mrs. Evans said good-by and the three young folks walked to Fifth avenue. It was about four oclock and the avenue presented an endless stream of automobiles one line going down, and the other line going uptown. The crowds of people hurrying to and fro made Polly tremble.
For goodness sake, Anne, where do all these folks come from, and where are they rushing to?
Anne and Eleanor laughed.
Well! If this is your wonderful Fifth avenue, I dont think much of it, declared Polly, a few moments later.
Why its simply great! exclaimed Eleanor, having a far different view-point of the city.
Great! Why, just look how narrow the street is? Main street, in Oak Creek, is twice as wide. And Denver has nicer streets than this famous alley you hear so much about, scorned Polly.
Again her companions laughed merrily. At this moment a traffic policeman sounded a shrill whistle. Instantly the mass of pedestrians, backed up on the curbs, started to cross. Or to use Pollys own description in the letter she wrote home that night: Really, dearies, they catapulted back and forth like rockets! We had to rush with them, or be trampled upon. It is just awful!
And such freaks, mother! Nolla says it is style. Well, all I can say is, spare me from such outrageous styles! Most every woman and girl I met had faces covered thick with layers of white chalk, with a daub of red on each cheek, and lips as scarlet as a clowns. In fact, I had to stand stock-still and look at one queer creature she looked exactly as if she was made up for a circus. Anne and Nolla laugh at me, all the time. But I dont care, so! These horrid painted things are not nice !
If I hadnt set my heart on being an interior decorator, Id take up lecturing, and teach these crazy New Yorkers how to look and enjoy a simple life.
From the above account you can see how one days experience in New York impressed the girl of the Mountain Ranges in the West.
Polly, accustomed as she was to the overstocked store in Oak Creek, where shelves were stacked high with all sorts of merchandise, opened her eyes as Anne led her into a quiet parlor-like room that opened directly from Fifth avenue. She stared around for a glimpse of the gowns she expected to see; but nothing like one was to be seen. The dignified lady who met Anne, and a few other well-dressed women who conversed in low tones with each other, did not look like Pollys idea of shop-girls.
Annes lady conducted them to a lift, and they shot up two stories. Again they came out into a lovely lounging-room, but still no sign of dresses. The lady pushed a button, and another woman hurried in.
Measurements of this young lady. She will need several gowns for afternoon and street wear;
possibly, an evening dress.
Then Polly was scientifically measured, and in a short time a number of models were brought for her inspection and approval. These were placed upon forms, and every desirable detail of the gowns was pointed out to Anne and the girls.
Oh, I just love that one, Poll! cried Eleanor, gazing with rapt eyes at an imported model.
Isnt it clumsy at the back? And see how narrow the bottom of the skirt is. Maybe they didnt have enough goods to make it any wider? commented Polly.
Eleanor giggled but Anne explained to Polly. The saleslady seemed not to have heard the western girls objection to the gown.
Then it was tried on Polly, and she saw how very becoming it was. But when she endeavored to walk over to the full-length mirror, she almost fell down upon the rug.
Mercy, Anne! I never can amble about in this binder! Get me something sensible, complained Polly.
But Eleanor liked the dress and as it fitted her, also, she said she would take it as long as Polly didnt.
Take it and welcome, Nolla! but I pity you if you try to scoot over the crossings of Fifth avenue in that skirt, laughed Polly.