"Would she do it for me as well as for you?" asked Fanny.
"I dare say she would, as you are my friend. And if we could settle between ourselves what we would like, she could, perhaps, get it cheap, if we had them both alike."
"Oh, I should like that," said Fanny, "if you would."
"Yes, I should, if we could think alike about it. We should not be able to have light dresses now, because the summer will soon be over; so I will tell her to get some patterns of dark stuff, that we could wear in the winter, perhaps, as well as just now."
"Yes, that would do," said Fanny, approvingly. "But the dress must not cost too much, because of that watch. Oh, I do wish they would take it back," she added, with a sigh.
"Oh, bother the watch! Do let us forget it for a little while; we have had enough of it for one day."
"I wish I could forget it altogether, for I have had very little pleasure out of it," said Fanny.
"Don't go talking to my cousin like that about it. I have never told her a word about mine; and I don't want her to know of it just now, so mind you don't say a word," added Miriam.
"Have you told your mother and father?" asked Fanny.
"Oh no! How could I? They live fifty miles away in the country. My cousin got me my place, and the Vicar wrote to recommend me; and I should not like to let them know at home that I have been cheated over this watch. But I feel sure Judds have cheated us both," she added in a more serious tone.