“Seems to me the stitches don’t look as if they’d hold,” she said, ill-naturedly.  “I discharged my last seamstress because she did not make her work serviceable.  I give good prices; I ain’t one of them kind of ladies what wants something for nothing.  I never believe in oppressin’ the poor.  I have plenty of means, (that was true, for the retired grocer was as liberal as a prince.) If a person suits me, and keeps their place, they will have my patronage; if not, I pay them off and show them the door.  My Melindy wants a new silk for a Christmas party, and as I am very particularly interested in her doing herself credit on the occasion, I want it made under my own supervision.  You see, Mrs. Crane, it is to be a very exclusive affair, for I heard that the Vaughns have accepted invitations, and you know they belong to the very creme de la creme.  Wilfred Vaughn is a catch for any young lady.  It won’t be my fault if Melindy isn’t the belle of the evening, for I’m determined that no expense shall be spared.”

The lady’s dear friend vouchsafed her only a spiteful glance in return for this proof of confidence.  She was thinking of her own beauteous Lucinda, and mentally declared that her daughter should outshine Melinda Brown on that momentous occasion, if the worthy contractor had to go into bankruptcy the next day.

“Now Miss,” concluded Mrs. Brown, turning again to Clemence, “I want to engage you to come to-morrow morning to work for me, and if you suit, I may keep you for some time longer.”

There was a look of quiet amusement upon Clemence’s face, as she replied politely: 

“I should be happy to serve you, Madam, but my time is engaged until after the holidays, and I never go out on account of an invalid parent, whom I cannot leave.”

“Oh!” jerked Mrs. Brown, bridling with offended dignity.

“Well, upon my word!” hissed Mrs. Crane, “such airs!”

“I am very glad, I am sure,” pursued the former, “to find you so well employed.  You were recommended to me as a very worthy person in destitute circumstances, and I supposed that to one in your lowly position, work would be a charity.  Had you possessed sufficient humility, and a proper appreciation of my efforts, I might have taken you under my patronage.  No matter what you might have been once, Miss, you are in the depths of poverty now, and it would be a good idea not to be too independent, for you may want a friend.  Don’t come to me, if you do, for I have done with you.  My conscience is clear.  This lady will bear witness to my benevolent intentions, and I acquit myself of all blame.  I have discharged a disagreeable duty.”

“Oh, the base ingratitude of this world!” wailed Mrs. Crane.  “My dear friend, is it not shocking?”

“It defies description,” she ejaculated.  “Let us depart.  Good bye, young woman, and remember, ’Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.’”