"Well, I told you I wasn't sure that I could come," said Fanny, in a deprecating tone.
"And I told you to stand up for your rights and not be put upon."
The day had been a miserable one to Fanny, and this greeting from her friend did not make her more cheerful.
"I wish you knew my missus."
"I know my own, and they're all about alike, I expect," said Miriam.
"But now about our frocks. I want to have a word with you before we go to Lizzie's. I was there on Friday evening, and she showed me a lovely piece of stuff. It is not the colour I wanted; but it is such a lovely piece of stuff, and my cousin says it will wear so well, that I shall put up with the colour if you like it."
"I shall like it if it is cheap," said Fanny, trying to laugh; "but, as the people won't take back my watch, I shall have to be careful."
"I tell you what it is, you ought to have more money than you get. You do all the work of that house, and you ought to be paid well for it, and I should tell the missus so if I was you."
"I mean to, if I get the chance," said Fanny. "I must, if I am to have a new frock," she added.
"Well, now will be a good time," commented Miriam. "You have been there just over three months—haven't you?—and so you could easily say, 'I want you to raise my wages next month, and I shall give you notice if you don't.'"