"I haven't a dress," said Esther promptly.
"I told him you'd say that," June answered calmly, "and he said it didn't matter--or something to that effect. Micky never notices what you wear," she went on airily. "I'm going to wear an old purple rag that I've had for about forty years."
Esther laughed. "I dare say I can buy one in time," she said; she did not intend Micky to think she could not afford a frock. "I think I should rather like to go," she added shyly.
"Good!" June hid the amazement she felt. "Well, Micky's going to call for us and take us out to dinner first. It'll be a scrumptious dinner--Micky always does the thing in style!"
"It's kind of him to ask me," Esther said.
"Why?" June demanded. "Oh, you mean because you don't like one another? But that wouldn't trouble Micky; he'd take you out if he hated the sight of you, he's so kind-hearted."
"Thank you for a doubtful compliment," said Esther.
She was making plans rapidly in her mind. Micky had never seen her well dressed.
"I had another cheque from Raymond this morning," she said flushing. "So it will come in useful. I can get a ready-made frock--I shan't look so bad."
"You'll look an angel whatever you wear," said June affectionately. "I know a little woman just off the Brompton Road who'll fix you up," June said eagerly. "She's got the tiniest shop, but it's cram full of the sweetest things. She's awfully nice, too."
"I can't afford much," Esther said dubiously.
"She won't charge you much," June declared. "She's a friend of mine. She has my creams on her counter. It's a fine advertisement, you see. She gets lots of actresses and smart people in, and they ask what it is, and try a jar and send for more, and, there you are!"
"If she's too expensive----" she protested.
But she ended by paying much more than she had originally intended. There was such a gem of a frock--black velvet and a white transparent bodice.
"You look a duck!" June declared. "Doesn't she, Fifine?"
But the mirror told Esther how charming she really looked without any further words.
"I really ought not to have spent so much," she said as they went home. "But it is rather nice, isn't it?"
"Micky will be absolutely bowled over," June declared. "I shall have to take a back seat all the evening."