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.—I declare, I didn't know I was so tired.

.—Nor I. It's so horrid to match goods.

.—Dreadful. I'd rather buy material for three new dresses than renovate one old one.

.—So should I. I'm in such a quandary about that silk at Cash's. Did it seem to you to match at all?

.—Why, I thought it was quite the nearest of any we have seen yet.

.—Did you, really? I am in such a dilemma about it, and I must send it down to Whalebone to-day, or she will disappoint me.

.—Yes, the wretch! How quickly she takes advantage of a little delay in that way!

—Yes, indeed. She kept me waiting three weeks last winter, for a pink tulle, because I was one day late in sending word whether I wanted a pointed or square bodice.

.—Well, I suppose we must have some luncheon. [Pulls menu toward her.] What do you want, Nell?

.—Oh, I don't know. What are you going to have?

.—I don't know. I am not very hungry.

.—Nor I. I breakfasted late, and don't feel as if I could eat a thing.

(pushing the card across the table).—Do pick out something, Nell. I can't.

.—Well, I can't, either. I never do know what to take.

(still studying card).—Do you like oysters.

.—Not much. I get tired of them.

.—Well, I don't know but I do, too. At any rate, we won't take an oyster-stew, for they only serve crackers with that, and the bread here is just lovely.

.—Isn't it! I can make a lunch off their bread and butter.

.—How would a chicken-croquette go?

(not sure whether it's Dutch treat or not).—Oh, don't let's take croquettes. We'll be sure to have them to-night at the Millers'.

.—That's so. Oh, dear, what do I want? I believe I'll take some cream-hashed potatoes.

.—So will I—and we'll have a cup of chocolate.

.—Yes, that will do nicely. [To .] Bring us two cream-hashed potatoes and two cups of chocolate.

.—Yes, madam; and bread?

.—Of course, bread.

.—Bread is only served with a meat order. Not with potatoes alone.

.—Oh, is that so? Then I don't care for potatoes.

.—Nor I, either. I do love the bread here.

(resuming her study of the card).—Oh, bother! let's take some consommé.

.—All right.

.—But we don't want chocolate with soup.

.—Oh, no.

.—Well, we won't take chocolate, then, but we can have some ice-cream afterward if we want it.

.—Very well.

(to ).—Bring two consommés.

(finishing the last morsel of bread and a long story at the same moment).—And from that day to this I have never even bowed to her.

.—You did perfectly right. She was horridly rude—in her own house, too.

(approaching for the tenth time).—Do you wish anything more?

(looking at her friend).—I really don't believe I care for anything more—the soup is so hearty.

.—Nor I, either. Besides, we must hurry.

(buttoning her glove).—This is mine, Kate.

.—Oh, no, indeed, Nell. You must let me pay.

.—Not at all. You came out to shop with me.

.—Oh, you forget I have several errands of my own.

.—Oh, I really insist. [''Finishes her glove and draws check over. It is forty cents, and she lays a half-dollar on the tray.''] Are you sure you didn't want anything more?

.—Oh, no, indeed. I have eaten all I possibly could.

(pocketing the nickels).—Do you know, I think it's sort of fast for girls alone to fee waiters.

.—So do I. I rarely do.

.—Well, let us make haste. We really have no time to lose.