A moment or two later they had reached the scene of
the evening's amusement
Loud voices and laughter greeted them; they entered a large room
crowded to overflowing. The atmosphere here was hot and stifling and
chaos reigned supreme. Pictures, ornaments of all kinds had been
removed roughly and hastily from the walls; clothes and even jewels
were piled on the tables, and a tall girl, standing on a chair, was
declaiming volubly for the benefit of her companions.
When Maggie, Rose and Priscilla entered the room Polly was exhibiting
the charms of a yellow silk dress somewhat the worse for wear.
Laughter choked her voice; her bright blue eyes shone with excitement
and amusement.
"Who'll try this?" she began. "It has a double charm. Not only has it
reposed round this fair and lovely form, but the silk of which it is
made was given to me by my mother's aunt, who had it from her mother
before her. When I part with this, I part with a relic. Those who
purchase it secure for themselves a piece of history. Who will buy,
who will buy, who will buy? An historical dress going-- such a
bargain! Who, who will buy?"
"I'll give you five shillings, Polly," screamed a darkeyed girl who
stood near.
"Five shillings! This lovely dress going for five shillings!"
proceeded Polly.
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