"I say, I hear tell you be leavin'. How soon?" The servant-girl looked round. She had a pretty little face, but her dress, cap, and apron were in a pitiably dirty condition. "Yes, I'm leavin', thank goodness!" she ejaculated. "What business be it of yourn?" Peggy's eyes were not on her face, but on her dress. She was taking stock mentally, and murmured to herself— "Be careful, Peg! Two darns in the back, a slit in the elbow, and a washed-out blue!" Then she spoke. "How much for your cotton dresses? Will ye sell?" "Sell 'em!" exclaimed the girl. "Be you clean demented?" "But you won't be wearin' cotton when you're married," urged Peggy; "and I'm certain sure your gowns would fit me. I'll give yer two bob for this one, and that's a very good offer." The girl looked at Peggy with some amusement. "I don't care if I do sell you this one. I'm a-leavin' to-morrow." "But it must be washed," said Peggy firmly. "Oh, I ain't a-goin' to have it washed. You'll take it as it is." "Then sixpence off!" said Peggy. The bargain was struck. Late the next evening, Peggy arrived at the sweet-shop in an eager, excited state. "Here I am, please 'm, and two print gowns for three-and-sixpence; one dirty and one clean. And the hems will turn up, and they only want a bit o' mendin'. You see 'm, there's ten shillings of poor aunt's that come to me, besides the five that Mrs. Jones got my best black with, and she giv' me a black hat; so now I've got six shillings and sixpence for boots, and a jacket, and aprons, and another cap; and please 'm, do you think I shall do then?" Mrs. Creak looked at the enterprising Peggy with amusement and a little respect. "I see you be quite determined to go to service, Peggy, so I'll do what I can to help you. Give me the dresses, and I'll see to 'em. If you gets clothes, you won't be long in finding a place." A fortnight later, Peggy had the joy and satisfaction of seeing a very modest outfitin her one wooden box. Mrs. Jones had been good to her, and given her several cast-off garments of her own, which clever old Mrs. Creak had cut up and altered and turned out in quite good style. "'Tis not only the outside of your back wants covering, my girl; and remember that good stout petticoats and well-mended stockings will keep you warm and well in the coldest weather." "Yes 'm," said Peggy meekly. And then she added anxiously, "And, please 'm, I'm tryin' hard to fasten my hair up. I've a-been lookin' at the girls in Nelson Street. They mostly has a curled fringe, but I can't make mine curl nohow. I've tried curl-papers, but I don't seem to manage 'em right, and them curlin'-tongs cost money." "Now, Peggy, you take my word, and brush your hair smooth. Ladies will like it much better. Plait it neatly behind; them fringes be traps for dirt and dust, and take a lot o' time fussin' over."