Giggles; and Al Kessler was seen slinking behind a large pillar.
"Say, who told you to come down in that outfit? This is a classy ball at a Duke's house! Can you imagine a society dame wearing an outfit like that? If Kessler told you to bring your wardrobe he certainly gave you a bum steer. If I was you I'd lay him out for it. Sorry, we can't use you today."
Eleanor stepped forward. "Don't put her out, Letcher," she protested. "I've got a dress upstairs that I think will do."
Minnie pressed her hand gratefully.
"All right, then, get a wiggle on! Bacon's coming on the set in five minutes."
They rushed back into the now deserted dressing room. Minnie's distracted breathing sounded above the rustle of paper as Eleanor opened the box.
"Here it is, a spangled gown with a train," cried Eleanor. "Do you think it will do?"
Minnie wanted to laugh. She wanted to cry. "Oh, my God," she was saying, "if it hadn't been for you I'd of—" She was hysterical with relief.
"Don't worry about that now, we've got no time to lose. Bacon's an old crank. Heavens, you can't wear this gown over that chemise, it comes up too high on your neck."
Desperately, "It's all I got."
Eleanor tossed her one of hers, a pink silk slip. "Put that on," she ordered peremptorily, "and hand me your slippers. I'll black them while you're getting into the dress."
It was the first time Minnie had ever worn silk next to her body and when she drew it on she quivered at the feel of its clinging softness.
