to
be spokeswoman. She rapidly explained that they had had an accident,
and were anxious to replace some broken articles at their own expense.
The shopman opened the box, and pulling out the shavings in which the
china was packed, laid the various pieces upon the counter. The girls
were aghast at the extent of the damage. Several cups were smashed to
atoms, the teapot had lost its lid, and the cream jug its handle.

"Have you any more like them?" asked Netta anxiously.

"Fortunately we have, miss," replied the assistant. "It is a pattern
we usually keep in stock, and--yes, I can match them all. I can repack
the box and send it out by the six-o'clock van."

Gwen heaved a great sigh of relief. Miss Roscoe would receive her
parcel that night, and would be no wiser for what had happened.

"We shall be very glad if you will do that," she said. "And will you
please tell us what we have to pay extra?"

The man took the bill which had been enclosed in the box and rapidly
glanced over the items.

"Let me see--teapot, cream jug, three cups, four plates--the sugar
basin is all right--ah! but this saucer is cracked! Sixteen and six,
seventeen and nine--it will be exactly one pound two and sixpence,
please."

Gwen felt ready to sink through the floor. She had very little notion
of the value of things, and could hardly believe that china cost so
much. She looked blankly and helplessly at Netta, who after a moment's
pause met the emergency.

"We haven't the money with us this afternoon, I'm afraid, but we'll
bring it to-morrow without fail. Will that do?"

"Yes, thank you, miss, I dare say it will be all right if you give me
the name."

"Miss Gwen Gascoyne," said Netta promptly.

"At Rodenhurst, I suppose?"

"Yes."

That ended the transaction, so the two girls left the shop.

"Well, Gwen, my child, you've let yourself in for a nice little bill!"
laughed Netta, when they found themselves in the street.

"It's impossible! I can't pay it!" gasped Gwen, with hot tears
trickling down her cheeks. "What am I to do?"

"Turn along this quiet road immediately, and don't stand mopping your
eyes in the middle of High Street! Everybody's staring at you. I
believe the policeman's going to ask if you're lost!"

And seizing her schoolmate by the arm, Netta hustled her away from the
unwelcome attention which she was attracting. The road led to the
promenade, where the girls found an unoccupied bench, and sat down to
talk matter