"Well, mother, we always have had our new frocks between us," said Fanny.
"You mean you have always had the new clothes, and Eliza has had to wear them when you had done with them. This will be altered in the future, I hope."
"I don't see why we should not go on in the old way," muttered Fanny.
"What do you mean? What do you want?" asked her mother.
"We both want it," replied Fanny.
"You said it would be better to have the new frock made to fit you," interrupted Eliza, who greatly hoped her mother would not consent to the plan, although she had been coaxed into promising not to oppose it.
"It was all Fanny's idea, of course," said Mrs. Brown, looking keenly at Eliza.
"Yes, mother. She says she wants a best dress more than I do."
"Very well, if she wants a new frock she is earning money for herself now, and can buy one," replied her mother.
"No, I can't!" snapped Fanny; and she went out and banged the door after her. Eliza would have followed her sister, to try and soothe her ruffled feelings, but her mother called her back.