"But I have had nothing but this calico dress all winter, godmother," answered Mariette, with touching resignation. "I economise all I can, and we owe two months' rent for all that."
"That means I am a burden to you, I suppose. And yet I took you in out of the street, and had you taught a trade, you ungrateful, hard-hearted minx!"
"No, godmother, I am not ungrateful. When you are not feeling as badly as you are now you are more just to me," replied Mariette, restraining her tears; "but don't insist upon going without eating any longer. It will make you feel so badly."
"I know it. I've got dreadful cramps in my stomach now."
"Then take your milk, I beg of you, godmother."
"I won't do anything of the kind! I hate milk, I tell you."
"Shall I go out and get you a couple of fresh eggs?"
"No, I want some chicken."
"But, godmother, I can't—"
"Can't what?"