“I came to see if you could change it,” the young woman proceeded. “It’s miles too wide. Ye can see that for yersel’.”
“They are worn that way at present,” said Christina, with something of an effort.
“Maybe. But I prefer it tight-fittin’. Of course I admit I’ve an extra sma’ waist.”
“Yes—smaller than they are worn at present.”
“I beg your pardon!”
“Granted,” said Christina absently. She was trying to think of more than one male customer to whom she had sold a belt. But there had been only one.
The dark eyes of the young woman glimmered with malignant relish.
“As I was sayin’,” she said, “I prefer it tight-fittin’. I’ve a dance on next week, an’ as it is the belt is unsuitable, an’ the young man expec’s me to wear it. Of course I couldna tell him that it didna fit me. So I thought I would jist ask ye to change it wi’oot lettin’ on to him.” She gave a self-conscious giggle.
“I see,” said Christina, dully. “But I’m afraid there’s only the one size in those belts, and, besides, we can’t change goods that have been worn for a month.”
“Oh, so ye mind when ye sold it!” said the other maliciously. “Ye’ve a fine memory, Miss! But though I’ve had it for a month—it was part o’ his birthday present, ye ken—I’ve scarcely worn it—only once or twice, to please him.”