Aunt Ruth and her nieces went enthusiastically in, and Uncle Rufus,
declaring that he must go also and congratulate Hugh on this
extraordinary transformation, tied his horses across the street where
they could not interfere with the view of passing sleighs.
Entering, the visitors found inside the same atmosphere of successful,
timely display of fresh and attractive goods as had been promised by the
outside. The store did not look like a village store at all; its whole
air was metropolitan. The smallest counter carried out this effect; on
every hand were goods selected with rare skill, and this description
held good of the cheaper articles as well as of those more expensive.
"Well, Hugh, we don't understand, but we are very glad," said Aunt Ruth
heartily, shaking hands with the young man who advanced to meet them.
"That's kind of you. It goes without saying that I am very glad, too,"
responded the proprietor of the place. His thin face flushed a little as
he greeted the others, and his eyes, like Westcott's, dwelt a trifle
longer on the face of one of the party than on any of the others.
"Rob, I believe you'll find your lavender linen here," said Ruth in her
sister's ear, as Uncle Rufus came in and Benson began to show them all
about the store.
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