"Well, I suppose we don't, and Judds know it," admitted Miriam.
"Well, that may be; but we don't like to be told of it as if we were babies, and that's what my mother did, and I shan't forget it either," exclaimed Fanny, in an angry tone.
They walked and talked over their grievance concerning the watches until they saw the name of the road they were in search of, and then it was arranged between them that Fanny should go first, as they thought it might not be wise for them to go together on this errand.
She found that "Judds" was a small shop, but it seemed to be well stocked with very glittering jewellery besides watches, and she marched boldly up to the counter and laid her watch down before a little man, who was looking over some watches he had just unpacked.
"If you please, sir, I find I cannot afford to pay for my watch, and so I have brought it back, and—"
"You should have thought of that before you bought the watch. We never take them back," said the man, curtly; and he went on with his work at the little box before him.
"But I tell you I cannot afford to pay for it," said Fanny, pushing the watch a little further across the counter. He took no notice, but went on with his work as though he had the shop to himself.
After waiting a minute or two, Fanny said, "You must take the watch back and give me the money I have paid for it. I gave the woman ten shillings when she brought it, and I have paid two months since, which makes sixteen shillings."
Fanny stopped talking, hoping the man would lay the money on the counter when he had done with the box he was busy over. But he seemed wholly absorbed in his task for some minutes, and when at last he did look up and saw Fanny, he immediately pushed her watch towards her again and said—
"It is of no use standing there. I tell you we don't do business in that fashion. You have got a good watch, and you must pay the price agreed upon for it."