Nan went back to her room feeling much excited. While she was out nurse had entered.
“So you are going to have an animal, miss; and you are going to get up every morning to help the young ladies to feed their pets and clean out their cages?”
“Yes; they have asked me to,” said Nan.
“That is right, my dear; and I hope you will have a happy time and make yourself one of the family.”
“I will try to,” said Nan.
“The first thing you have to do is to give me the frock you wore last night.”
“But, oh!” said Nan, “that is my own frock, bought out of my own money. Please, I would rather—I would rather not give it.”
“I am afraid if you are one of the family you have got to obey Mrs. Richmond, and she does not intend you to wear that ugly frock any more.”
“It is not ugly,” said Nan, colouring high.
“Well, miss, I am afraid it is; and anyhow you cannot wear it, for I am going to take it away. Here is a nice little suitable dress—black, of course, and made the same way as Miss Kitty’s dresses are made. Here, put it on, miss, or you will be late for breakfast.”