nearly half after six
What would her brave platitudes count if she could wear bright gold tulle with slim shoulder straps of jet supporting it ? Away with sport attire and untrimmed hats ! To have absurdly frivolous little shoes of blue brocade ; to wear the brown hair in puffs and curls and adorned with jade and pearls ; to have a lace scarf thrown over her shoulders and a greatcoat of white fur covering the tulle frock ; to go riding , riding , riding , at dusk through the crowded streets filled with envying shop-girls and clerks , hard-working men and women . To ride in an elegant little car with fresh flowers in a gold-banded vase , a tiny clock saying it was nearly half after six , outside a gray fog and a rain creeping up to make the crowds jostle wearily that they might reach shelter before the storm broke . To have Steve , handsome and adoring , beside her , laughing at her indulgently , excusing her frivolous little self , adoring the fragile , foolish soul of her . At least it would be worth while trying . `` I can get a construction set for six dollars , '' Luke was saying .