Shirley looked toward Colonel Baxter who was enjoying himself, watching the interest of the girls as business details unfolded.
"Sit down, Doran, and have a cup of tea."
Kit made a dive for the rear room to prepare tea.
"Remember this, girls. If you want to get the best of a bargain, always feed your victim." This from Colonel Baxter.
Mr. Doran smiled and an hour later when he left, Shirley had consented to put in a display of cameras to be sold on a generous commission.
Shirley's Shop was progressing and the girls were getting valuable experience as they watched it grow.
Regretfully they bade it good-bye until the following Friday afternoon, when they planned to meet there after school to admire their work and make plans.
Shirley's Shop was a success. The four girls had made it so. All their friends, who heard of their efforts, came to buy gifts.
"Aren't we lucky!" exclaimed Bet. "Everybody has been so good!"
"I didn't know I had so many friends in the world," said Shirley with moisture in her eyes. "I wish I could pass it on to others."
"Well, there are so many men out of work this year that I'm sure we could find lots of people to help. I hate to think of children being disappointed at Christmas."
"Why can't we have a tree, right here in the shop and have all the children come and get their presents?"
"That idea's not a total loss, for a wonder, Joy. It shows a good heart but very little head-work," answered Bet.
"Why, Bet Baxter, what's the matter now? Why all the kitty-cat stuff! Take it back!"
"Well, I just hate that kind of a Christmas tree. Showing up the poor little things as being too poor to have one of their own."
"What's your idea, then?" challenged Joy.
"I want the little kiddies to wake up on Christmas morning and find a tree at home and their stockings filled to overflowing."
"Yes, and to know that their eyes will get bigger and bigger, and they'll even peep under the bed to make sure that Santa isn't hiding there," Shirley added.
"That would be a real Christmas," agreed Kit.
"But where will our fun come in? Don't we see their eyes getting big and bigger, or anything? I think that will spoil it all. I want to see them get their toys, put them right into their hands," pouted Joy.
