"Yes," she was saying in a high, gay voice, "I'm not a bit ashamed of
it; there's never the least use in not owning the truth. I'm used up,
girls: I haven't a pennypiece to bless myself with, and this letter
came from Spilman to-night. Spilman says he'll see Miss Eccleston if I
didn't pay up. Madame Clarice wrote two nights ago, declaring her
intention of visiting Miss Eccleston if I didn't send her some money.
I shall have no money until next term. There's a state of affairs!"
"What do you mean to do, Polly?" asked Lucy Marsh in a sympathizing
tone.
"Do? My dear creature, there's only one thing to be done. I must have
an auction on the quiet. I shall sell my worldly all. I can buy things
again, you know, after dad sends me his next allowance."
"Oh, Polly, but you cannot really mean it!" Miss Marsh, Miss Day and
two or three more crowded around Polly Singleton as they spoke.
"You can't mean to have an auction," began Miss Day; "no one ever
heard of such a thing at St. Benet's. Why, it would be simply
disgraceful!"
"No, it wouldn't-- don't turn cross, Annie. I'll have an auction first
and then a great feed in the empty room. I can go on tick for the
feed; Jones, the confectioner, knows better than not to oblige me.
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