"I don't suppose I shall make anything," said Calista, coloring. "My aunt has her own ideas about such things, and she has not said yet that she will give me any money." "Oh!" said Antoinette, sarcastically. "How sorry you must be!" Before Calista had time to reply, Belle Adair came up in a great hurry. "Oh, Antoinette, I am glad I have found you," said she. "Tessy has asked me to buy some netting cotton and a needle for her; and she told me to ask you for the money you owe her, as she has none." "I haven't any change," said Antoinette, coloring and looking daggers at Belle. "Eh, my dear! What is that?" asked Miss McPherson. "Nothing, ma'am; only Antoinette owes Tessy four and sixpence, and Tessy told me to ask her for it; but Antoinette says she has no change. Perhaps you can let her have some, ma'am," said Belle, as demurely as a kitten bent on mischief. "Certainly," said Miss McPherson, producing her purse. "What do you wish to have changed, Antoinette?" "There is no hurry," said Antoinette. "Why, yes, I think there is," returned Belle. "You know, Antoinette, Tessy has asked you for the money several times, and you could not pay her because you had not the change. But, as Miss McPherson is so kind—" Miss McPherson smiled, and frowned a little at the same time. She was used to girls, and saw through Belle's little plot on the instant. She also saw through Antoinette's evasion, and she detested meanness. Her tone was, therefore, somewhat sharp as she said,— "Antoinette, did you hear me? Give me the bill you wish to have changed, this moment." Startled out of her presence of mind, Antoinette pulled her purse out of her pocket. As she did so, the clasp gave way and let out a handful of silver and copper, which fell on the floor. The girls exchanged glances as they assisted in picking it up. "Give that money to me!" said Miss McPherson. Then, as she counted it over, "What did you mean by saying that you had no change, Antoinette? Here are more than ten shillings in silver." "I—I forgot," murmured Antoinette. "Why did you not look to see? I must say it is difficult to believe you could forget, with all this weight of silver in your pocket. Anabella, here is Theresa's money. Are you going to lay it out for her?" "Yes, ma'am. Miss Jessy said I might, as she had no netting cotton of the proper size, and Tessy cannot go out on account of her lame ankle." "Oh, very well. I presume you will use very good judgment. Anything else?" "Please, ma'am, may I walk down with Anabella?" said Calista. "I have an errand for my aunt." "Certainly; only do not be late for dinner; and, my love, I should like you to perform a commission for me. Have you any work on hand that you particularly wish to do?" "No, ma'am," answered Calista, with a beating heart.