ETHEL'S mind was restored to its equanimity by this conversation with her mother. But it suffered something of a relapse, when Abby called next day according to promise, for her cousin to go out shopping, and she was obliged to say that she had no money, and was not to have any.
"It is too bad," said Abby, sympathizing with her cousin's disappointment. "I am glad we are not poor. I should not like to work as you do, and to go without every thing that I wanted."
Ethel felt a little vexed at this speech and answered hastily: "I would rather be as poor as we are, Abby, and wash dishes to the end of my days, than to be as rich as some folks and to be dishonest."
"Of course!" rejoined Abby, who fortunately was not very apt at taking a hint. "But, Ethel, all rich people are not dishonest."
"No, of course not," said Ethel, remembering her mother's caution, and blushing to think how near she had come to revealing a secret. "But I have no money, Abby, and I cannot get any, that is the long and the short of it."
"You might go with me, at any rate, and help me pick out my things," urged Abby. "Come do, Ethel, you know I always like your taste better than mine."
Ethel hesitated. She did not feel as though it would be very pleasant going round to the shops where she was accustomed to deal, and purchasing nothing, while her cousin was spending her money freely; but on the other hand she did not wish to disoblige Abby, of whom she was really very fond, notwithstanding a jar now and then. Finally she resolved to consult her mother.
"I think you had better go, my dear," said Mrs. Fletcher. "Abby is always ready to do any thing for you, and you may as well learn first as last to say boldly, 'I cannot afford it.' That little lesson once learned, will save you worlds of trouble."
With all her resolution, fortified by the recollection of the cause of her father's poverty, Ethel did not find the day a very pleasant one. Abby's ten dollars seemed to buy more and prettier things than any ten dollars had ever done before, and when it was gone, she did not scruple to run into debt for several articles she wanted to complete her gifts.
To Ethel's remonstrances, she answered gayly: "Oh, my father won't care. He don't mind our making a bill now and then."