"It is worth fifteen dollars, ma'am. The pattern is a rich one, and the work unusually fine."
"Fifteen dollars! That is a pretty high price, is it not, Mrs.—?"
"O, no, indeed, Mrs. Harwood! It cost me very nearly fourteen dollars—and a dollar is a small profit to make on such articles."
After hesitating for a moment or two, Mrs. Harwood said—
"Well, I suppose I must give you that for it, as it pleases me."'
And she took out her purse, and paid the price that Mrs.—had asked. She still stood musing by the side of the counter, when the young woman who had awakened her interest a short time before, re-entered, and came up to Mrs.—, who was near her.
"I have a favour to ask, Mrs.—," she overheard her say, in a half tremulous, and evidently reluctant tone.
"Well, what is it?" Mrs.—coldly asked.
"I want six dollars more than I have got, for a very particular purpose. Won't you advance me the price of three capes, and I will bring you in one a week, until I have made it up."
"No, miss," was the prompt and decisive answer—"I never pay any one for work not done. Pay beforehand, and never pay, are the two worst kinds of pay!"