“That is all I could save this term,” he said.
“Oh, it is famous! Now, I do think I may put another whole sovereign away into the purse for the church. See, here is what we have paid. Shoes—those did bring our money very low, and then I bought a piece of print which cost sixteen shillings, but it will make plenty of frocks. So, you see, the balance is actually two pounds nine! That is something. The nine shillings will go on till we get another fee; for I have two frocks ready made for the Popes, so the two pounds are a real nest-egg towards the church.”
“The church!” repeated Rlchard, half smiling.
“I looked in the paper the other day, and saw that a chapel had been built for nine hundred pounds,” said Ethel.
“And you have two!”
“Two in eight months, Ritchie, and more will come as we get older. I have a scheme in my head, but I won’t tell you now.”
“Nine hundred! And a church has to be endowed as well as built, you know, Ethel.”
“Oh! never mind that now. If we can begin and build, some good person will come and help. I’ll run and fetch it, Ritchie. I drew out a sketch of what I want it to be.”
“What a girl that is!” said Richard, as Ethel dashed away.
“Is not she?” said Margaret. “And she means all so heartily. Do you know she has spent nothing on her own pleasures, not a book, not a thing has she bought this year, except a present for Blanche’s birthday, and some silk to net a purse for Harry.”