Now do n't laugh , but listen ; for it is a splendid idea , and you shall have all the credit of it , because you suggested it . '' `` I 've materials enough , '' she continued , `` to begin with ; for when all else went , they left us our finery , you know , and now we can live on it instead of wearing it . Yes , I 'll make caps and sell them , and that will be both easier and pleasanter than to go out teaching and leave you here alone . '' `` But how can you sell them ? '' asked her mother , half bewildered by the eagerness with which the new plan was unfolded . `` That 's the best of all , and I only thought of it when I was among the boxes . Why not take the room below and lay out all our fine things temptingly , instead of selling them one by one as if we were ashamed of it ? `` As I stood there just now , I saw it all . Mrs. Smith would be glad to let the room , and I could take it for a month , just to try how my plan works ; and if it does go well , why can I not make a living as well as Madame ? '' `` But , child , what will people say ? '' `` That I 'm an honest girl , and lend me a hand , if they are friends worth having . '' Mrs. Barlow was not convinced , and declared she would hide herself if any one came ; but after much discussion consented to let the trial be made , though predicting utter failure , as she retired to her sofa to bewail the sad necessity for such a step . Clara worked busily for several days to carry into execution her plan ; then she sent some notes to a dozen friends , modestly informing them that her `` opening '' would take place on a certain day . `` Curiosity will bring them , if nothing else , '' she said , trying to seem quite cool and gay , though her heart fluttered with anxiety as she arranged her little stock in the front parlor . In the bay-window was her flower-stand , where the white azaleas , red geraniums , and gay nasturtiums seemed to have bloomed their loveliest to help the gentle mistress who had tended them so faithfully , even when misfortune 's frost had nipped her own bright roses . Overhead swung a pair of canaries in their garlanded cage , singing with all their might , as if , like the London ` prentice-boys in old times , they cried , `` What do you lack ? Come buy , come buy ! '' On a long table in the middle of the room , a dozen delicate caps and head-dresses were set forth . On another lay garlands of French flowers bought for pretty Clara 's own adornment . Several dainty ball-dresses , imported for the gay winter she had expected to pass , hung over chairs and couch , also a velvet mantle Mrs. Barlow wished to sell , while some old lace , well-chosen ribbons , and various elegant trifles gave color and grace to the room .
XXXXX 's first customer was Mrs. Tower , -- a stout florid lady , full of the good-will and the real kindliness which is so sweet in times of trouble .
Clara Smith ball-dresses execution geraniums head-dresses left month nasturtiums trifles