"I would not do that," said Delia, as Emily paused, apparently for a reply to her suggestion. "I made up my mind that I should not send by her again. I do not think she is honest."
"Oh, Delia!" exclaimed Emily, feeling the hot blood mantle in her cheeks.
"It is so," continued Delia. "I know she has several times charged me more than she has paid for things, because I have inquired the prices afterwards. Besides, she might threaten to tell, and that would give her a hold upon you which might be very inconvenient." She considered a little, and then said, "I think I see how we can manage it. You know we are to go to the dressmaker's before school, and Mrs. Pomeroy will have to give us permission for that, because Miss Sampson depends upon us. Then you know Barton's is only a few steps below, and we can easily run down there, and make it all straight. By the by, did you remember that little matter at the jeweler's—the beads and spangles, you know—"
"I never thought of them," replied Emily, clasping her hands with a feeling of desperation, at the idea of this new liability. "Oh, dear, what shall I do? Cannot you lend the money, Delia? I will pay you the very first minute I can."
"I suppose I might," said Delia, considering a little. "I would not do it for every one, because you know how strictly lending is forbidden, but rather than have you get into a scrape, I will run the risk for once."
"Oh, thank you, Delia," exclaimed Emily. "What a good girl you are."
"But if I do," continued Delia, "mind, I shall expect you to be equally ready to oblige me."
"Of course," replied Emily. "I shall pay you the very moment I get any money."
"I was not thinking about the money," Delia answered. "I might want you to do some thing else for me. If I run risks for you, you must be ready, if necessary, to run risks for me."
"I will do anything in the world for you, if you will only get me out of this scrape," said Emily.