Nettie ground her teeth. "Quit talking nonsense. I already owe both you and your sister more money than I'll ever be able to repay. I can't possibly allow her to buy me any more clothing. I suppose you'll want me to bob my hair as well, so I can keep up appearances."

"No. Your hair is perfect the way it is." The fervor with which that statement came out startled Eli as much as it appeared to startle Nettie. She took advantage of the moment to snatch her hand away from ...