I didn't charge a cent, if that's
what you're afraid of."
"I knew you wouldn't do that," gravely. "And of course I'm glad you got
the things. But I can't see how you managed."
"Oh, sales," vaguely. "Things are so cheap in Detroit and Jessica
Bremner is a born shopper. She gets wonderful bargains. Anyway, I got
them, and I'm not a cent in debt."
"What's debt?" asked Jane.
"Buying what you can't pay for, Janie."
"Oh, mother paid for everything. I saw her. It's Mrs. Bremner that's in
debt, isn't she, mother?"
"Don't be silly, Jane, of course not. Jessica is far better off than we
are."
"But she only gave you half the money for the ring. I heard her say--"
"Jane, get those slippers at once."
"I'm going. But Mrs. Bremner said--"
Mrs. Coombe's hand came down with stinging force upon the child's ear.
"Will you obey me--or will you not?"
Jane retired wailing and her mother sank back into her veranda chair,
red spots burning through the powder on her cheeks.
Esther sat very still for a moment, and then, without looking at the
other, she asked in a low voice:
"What did she mean?"
"How should I know?" fretfully.
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