Nelly was by no means sure that the cow would not have to go too; but she wisely forbore to say any thing about that at present. She reminded granny that the milk-money would be coming in on Saturday, and would be more than enough to supply all that was wanted, and then dressed herself to go out again, asking her granny to have an eye to Crummie.
Granny murmured something about Nelly's thinking she knew more than anybody; but she made no more active opposition; and Nelly set out on her expedition,—without much courage, it must be confessed, but with a determination to do her best.
Her first visit was to Miss Powell. The shop was full of people, and Nelly had to restrain her impatience while Miss Powell sorted worsted, matched beads, helped people to make up their minds whether they wanted to work camp-chairs or brackets, and to decide between Persian patterns and flower patterns, cross-stitch or Penelope stitch, chalk beads or crystal,—and all the thousand and one things which belong to a retail fancy-store towards holiday time.
At last, Miss Kirkland caught sight of Nelly's distressed face, and, going to her relief, whispered to Miss Powell,—
"Do see what that child wants. She looks the picture of distress and impatience."
Miss Powell slipped out and drew Nelly into a corner of the ante-room.
"Now, Nelly, tell me what is the trouble; for I am sure there is something serious the matter. But be quick; for you see how busy I am."
In a few words, Nelly told her story, ending with, "I thought I would see how much Mrs. Kirkland owed me; and, if she would pay me, I would carry the money to Mr. Grayson. Perhaps he would let us stay on and make up the rest by-and-by. And, at any rate, it would do no harm to try."
"No harm, certainly; but perhaps a great deal of good," said Miss Powell. "Is that your plan, or granny's?"
"Mine," replied Nelly. "Granny is rather for letting it go; but I can't bear to do that. We have paid so much on it already; and then the neighbours all know us, and we them, and they are very kind. We mightn't do so well with the milk anywhere else."