For a moment no one spoke. The prospect that spread out before them, leading them on into future joys, left the girls quite overcome. Even the lighthearted Joy, who usually had a song or dance for every occasion, was silent and thoughtful.
"It's too good to be true!" laughed Kit. "I can see all sorts of wonderful adventures in Shirley's Shop." Kit's eyes were sparkling as she thought of all the fun ahead.
"And that's a good name for it," cried Bet. "We'll paint a sign for the window:
'SHIRLEY'S SHOP MARVELOUS PICTURES AT A BIG PRICE.'"
"Oh no, Bet, that won't do! That would frighten people away," exclaimed Shirley.
"Well, we'd get rid of the people who want a picture for two cents, anyway."
The Colonel laughed heartily at his young friends. "Miss Fixit has the right idea. You're developing a real business head already."
"Couldn't we go down and look at the shop this afternoon so we could make plans and have something to dream about next week?"
"I think we might. Let's stop in and see if Mrs. Williams won't come with us. We'll need her advice on lots of things." And thus did Colonel Baxter enlist the co-operation of Shirley's mother.
"The possibilities of this place are simply uncountable," cried Bet enthusiastically.
"And say, Shirley, any time you want a little exhibition dancing for your afternoon callers, I'm at your service," and Joy Evans made a few fancy spins on the tips of her toes, in the center of the room.
"Not a bad idea! Keep that in the back of your heads," advised the Colonel. "In fact, never throw an idea away. Keep it in storage where you can bring it out if needed."
The store contained two rooms. The large one in the rear started a plan in Shirley's head. "Wouldn't this make a dandy place for a photographic studio. And here is a lovely big closet which will be a good dark room. And there is running water in that corner. Why everything is complete."
"It's just made to order, Shirley," exclaimed Kit. "Really you are a lucky girl!"
"There you are, young lady! Appointments made every Saturday morning!"
"The first thing to do is to decide on the color scheme for the shop," said Mrs. Williams who was noted as a good manager.
"Let's have plenty of orange. Gold always means success, doesn't it?"