The girl evidently doesn't think of it yet," said Mrs.
Moffat.
"She told that fib about her momma, as if she did know, and colored up when the flowers came quite prettily.

Poor thing! She'd be so nice if she was only got up in style.

Do you think she'd be offended if we offered to lend her a dress for Thursday ?" asked another voice.
"She's proud, but I don't believe she'd mind, for that dowdy tarlaton is all she has got.

She may tear it tonight, and that will be a good excuse for offering a decent one." Here Meg's partner appeared, to find her looking much flushed and rather agitated.

She was proud, and her pride was useful just then, for it helped her hide her mortification, anger, and disgust at what she had just heard.