It was a tooth which, he said, must be saved and not extracted, and so he got out his little needles and his little looking-glass, and was exceedingly cruel—although by nature one of the kindest men living, who would not wittingly hurt a fly except for its own good—as in the case of Priscilla. And when the half-hour was finished he had only just begun, and he told her to come again in four days’ time and he would try and finish it.
“Will it hurt again then?” Priscilla asked.
“I’m afraid it will,” said the dentist.
Poor Priscilla! The tooth went on steadily grumbling with pain, and Priscilla’s nerves were all upset, so that, although she was naturally brave, she could think of nothing but the next dreadful time, and as it drew nearer and nearer she broke down completely.
“I’m very sorry, mother,” she said, “but I really don’t think I can,” and so saying she burst into sobs.
“If you will get on your things and come with me to the Stores,” said her mother, “I think I can help you.”
Priscilla brightened at once. She liked going to the Stores, not only because it was exciting to buy things and be among so much to buy, but also because she was always interested in the fat commissionaire with the dog-chains at the top of the steps, who knew all the dogs of Westminster intimately.
When they got to the Stores, and Smike had been chained up, Priscilla’s mother led the way to the jewellery department, and, singling out one of the assistants, she said, “Is my ring done yet?”
“Yes,” said he; “it has just come back.” And he took out of a drawer a little box, and out of the box a ring, and handed it to Priscilla’s mother. And Priscilla’s mother handed it to Priscilla and said, “See if it fits, dear.” And, behold! it was the turquoise-ring she had always loved so much, and, although it was rather loose, it fitted well enough for Priscilla to refuse to let the Stores have it again to alter it. In this decision she was supported by her mother, who said that it should come back again after a day or two. And so the assistant gave Priscilla the little box, and off they went home.
On their way Priscilla’s mother explained to Priscilla the value of the ring.