"Oh yes, miss! I think it is lovely, I like it better than any!"
gasped Huldah, excitedly. She could scarcely believe yet that she
was not in a dream, or that it could really be she, Huldah Bate, to
whom all this was happening.

The young attendant stooped to unbutton the cloak, to take it away
and wrap it in a parcel, but Miss Carew stopped her. "I think she
may as well wear it home," she said. "It is cold, and it will be the
easiest way of carrying it."

"Yes, madam. I will give you the bill."

When the stranger's back was turned, Huldah found her tongue.
"Oh, Miss Rose, isn't it lovely! It's so warm, I can feel it
already, and--and oh, I can't believe it is mine!"

"I am glad you like it, dear. Now get out your purse, and pay the
bill."

That was indeed a proud moment! From the depth of her pocket, and
from beneath the wonderful cloak, Huldah produced a small, rather
shabby purse, an old one of Miss Carew's, and from its pockets she
produced all her worldly wealth. Her fingers trembled so, she could
scarcely separate the coins, but at last it was all managed; and,
still in a maze of delight, she found herself walking out of the shop
behind Miss Carew, clutching her thin little purse, in which reposed
one solitary shilling, and proudly wearing her own purchase.

To have walked out in it between that double fire of staring eyes,