"I have decided to let your mother have my work again, though she charged an extortionate price for the last."
The fact was, as Paul surmised, that Miss Framley had found it impossible to find any other seamstress whose work pleased her as much as his mother's, but of course she did not choose to admit that. She preferred to have it understood that she was conferring a favor.
"My mother never charges extortionate prices," said Paul, gravely.
"As a boy, you are not a suitable judge," said the young lady, sharply. "You may say to your mother that there are plenty who would like to do my work, but as she is a widow, and poor, I have taken pity on her, and——"
"There is no occasion for that, Miss Framley," said Paul. "My mother can get along very well without your work."
"It seems to me you are taking a great deal on yourself, young man," said Miss Framley, sharply. "I have a great mind to give out my work elsewhere."
"You will have to do that, Miss Framley," said Paul, with evident satisfaction, "for my mother requests me to say that she cannot do any more work for you."
"Did she tell you to say this?" demanded Miss Framley, astonished.
"Yes."
"I never heard of such a thing!" ejaculated the mortified young lady. "Are you sure this is not a message of your own?"