"I have needed a dress for a good while," she said, "but I never felt that I could spare the money to buy even a common one. This material is very nice."
"It cost seventy-five cents a yard. I was with Mrs. Merton when she bought it."
"I hope you didn't hint to Mrs. Merton that I needed one."
"No, that isn't like me, mother, but I own that I was very glad when she thought of it."
"Please tell her how grateful I am."
"I will certainly do so. Now, mother, I want you to have it made up at once. I can spare the money necessary."
"It will cost very little. I will have it cut by a dress maker and make it up myself. I hope you will long retain the friendship of Mrs. Merton."
"It won't by my fault if I don't. But I can't help seeing that her niece, Mrs. Tracy, and Harold, a boy about my age, look upon me with dislike."
"Why should they? I don't see how anyone can dislike you."
"You are my mother and are prejudiced in my favor. But I am sure they have no reason to dislike me. I think, however, they are jealous, and fear the old lady will look upon me with too much favor. She is very rich, I hear, and they expect to inherit all her fortune."