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having a new frock, because I am afraid it will cost a good deal, and I would rather Flo had plenty of jelly and things; but thank you very much, mother dear. I won't tear my things much if I can help it, or be rough. Do write again very soon. I've got two bad marks again this morning. I said 'jolly' once, and the second time 'What a bore!'-I am always forgetting. I do hope you won't be knocked up with nursing. I wish I could help you. I send heaps of love to you and papa and dear old Flo.

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The next day at noon, when the girls were all going up to dress for a walk, Miss Martin called Lucy and Martie into the library. She was an elderly lady, very prim and particular, but at the same time exceedingly kind, and she wanted to give the two poor disappointed children what pleasure lay in her power.

"I am going out shopping, my dears; and I thought you would like to come and choose the sashes."

"Oh, thank you," said Lucy, while Martie sat quite still.

B

"Don't you wish to go, Martie?"

"Oh, yes, Miss Martin, thank you; but I was thinking couldn't we do without new sashes? our blue are not a bit shabby."

"Oh no!" interrupted Lucy.

"Why don't you want a new one?" asked Miss Martin.

"O, it's because of Flora. There will be medicine, and jelly, and wine, and all sorts of things;-I'm sure papa will want all his money."

"I like you to consider these things, my dear, but it is your mamma's wish, so I think we must get them."

Martie said no more; and she and Lucy were soon in their room dressing themselves for the expedition.

"I wish you would not talk in that way, Martie," said Lucy; "it's bad enough to know papa is a poor clergyman, without publishing the fact."

"Well, at any rate Miss Martin knows it; and I really don't feel happy to have so many new things. I shall look out for the cheapest ribbons in the shop."

"Martie! you are enough to drive one wild with your fancies! Of course mamma would not have said we were to buy what she could

not afford; and of course we must be pretty well dressed at Annesley-they are sure to be swells; and I don't mean to be looked down upon; our family is as good as theirs at any rate, and we should have been as rich if we had had the money that was our right-if it had not been for that horrid Chancery suit mamma told us of."

"Oh, well, I don't mind not being well dressed. I should like to be richer because of the presents I could give-but—”

Here Miss Martin's voice was heard calling them, and the girls went down-stairs.

Once in the shop Lucy recovered her good temper. Miss Martin first bought the requisite quantity of white muslin, and then asked to look at sash ribbons. A drawer full of brilliant colours was placed upon the counter.

"Here is an elegant article in blue," said the shopman, unrolling a delicate blue ribbon, on which were lovely white satin flowers. "The price?" asked Miss Martin.

"Three-and-sixpence."

"That's too dear!" said Martie, at which Lucy looked daggers.

"Here is a plain blue," said Miss Martin, "how would this do?

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