"There!" said the pedler. "Three pound ten! Dirt-cheap. Going, you may
say, for nothing, and because it's the last piece I have of it. Lady
Georgiana paid me seven pounds for the length I cut her this morning.
I'd like to see you in this dress, Miss Matty, and, maybe, if all
reports is true, you'll want me to sell you something different, and
more--more--well, more, perhaps, bridal-like, by-and-bye, my pretty
young lady."
This last speech finished the fate of the silk. If rumor had reached
down to the strata of pedlers, etc., it simply could not be disregarded.
Mrs. Bell bargained and haggled for the best part of an hour. She
stripped herself of many necessary garments, and even ransacked her very
meagre little collection of jewelry. Finally the purchase was completed
with the sale of the ring which Bell had given her on the day when he
had gone down on his knees for the third and successful time. That ring,
of a showy style, but made of real gold and real gems, was beloved by
Mrs. Bell above all her worldly goods. Nevertheless, she parted with it
to make up the necessary price for the shot silk; for, what will not a
mother do for her child?
CHAPTER XII.
NINA, YOU ARE SO PERSISTENT.
"I wish you wouldn't worry me so, miss."
"Well, answer my question.
Pages:
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127