CHAPTER XII.

A FEW BUSINESS MATTERS.

Driving a bargain—Beating down the price—Jessie’s rule, in trading—Mrs. Page’s practice—How Jessie got her new dress so cheap—Shillings and pence—Was Jessie to blame?—Selling for less than cost—Motives for doing so—Meanness—Getting out of debt—An unexpected application of good advice—Ronald’s debt—The lost Reader—Plans frustrated—Dunning—An arrangement effected—The note of hand—Interest—The receipt—Negotiating the note—A good rule—Keeping account of expenses—Jessie’s poverty—Longings—Uncle Morrison—His proposal to adopt Jessie—Jessie’s perplexity—Her uncle’s tavern—His character—His wife—The decision—Surprise—Further proposals—Jessie firm—A wise choice, 222