“She is, eh?” thought Tom. “So would my mother be if I didn’t come back with the money.”
Presently there was a swish of silken skirts, and a handsomely-dressed woman came into the reception hall where Tom sat.
“Have you brought my dress, boy?” she asked sharply.
“Yes, ma’am,” answered Tom, rising.
“You are more than two hours late with it. I wanted it to wear this evening, and I am much disappointed.”
“I brought it as soon as it was finished. I think there was more work on it than my mother thought.”
“She should learn to calculate better then, and not disappoint her customers. You may lay it on the table there, and tell her I am displeased that it is late.”
“She asked me to bring back the money for it,” said Tom boldly, determined not to be awed by the airs of this society matron. “I gave the butler the bill.”
“Yes, I have it; but it is not convenient for me to pay it now.”
“My mother particularly wished it, Mrs. Leeth.”