such a job."

"Was," said Annie in an almost trembling voice, "was the uncle very
disagreeable, then?"

"Miss Forest, such a word oughtn't to pass your lips."

"Why so, nurse? I cannot imagine why you dislike such helpful people."

"We won't argue the point," said nurse; "the subject is not suited to
the young."

Annie fidgeted. Nan's voice was heard down stairs shouting for her.

"Nurse," she said in sudden desperation, "I want to get the ring back;
tell me the name of the uncle."

A look of relief came over Mrs. Martin's face.

"I'd be glad if you had that valuable ring again," she said. "Have you
got the money for it? It would be thirty-two shillings; thirty shillings
for the loan and two shillings interest."

"Annie, we're all waiting," shouted Nan.

"Oh, do tell me the address," said Annie.

"You had better let me get the ring out of pawn for you, miss."

"No, no, I must get it to-day."

"Have you got the money, Miss Forest?"

"What would be the use of going if I hadn't?" prevaricated Annie.

"Well, but you're not going to take my young ladies to a pawnbroker's?"

"No, I promise not to take any of them; I'll go alone, quite alone. You
may trust me, really. Oh, nursey, nursey, I'm in such trouble."

Again the bright lovely eyes and sweet voice did their work.

Mrs. Martin fumbled for her keys, and taking a small piece of blue paper
out of her work-box, put it into Annie's hand.

"There," she said. "I'm sorry I ever made or meddled with this thing.
Mind you don't take one of my young ladies with you."

"I promise," said Annie. She thrust the paper into her pocket and rushed
from the room.

CHAPTER XIV.

POOR MRS. MYRTLE.

The girls spent a busy morning in Nortonbury, and if Annie had any care
on her mind she certainly did not show it. She was a splendid girl to go
shopping with. She could make up her mind quickly with regard to the
exact material she required. Her choice was practically made before she
entered a shop, her taste in colour and texture was excellent, and with
her to guide them, Hester and Molly got through their business with
great celerity. Many parcels were piled up on the front seat of the
landau, but work as they would, the girls could not get through their
necessary shopping in the morning. Hester therefore determined to lunch
at a restaurant which she knew well, and to finish buying the rest of
the materials for the fancy dresses before they returned to the Gra