Since then Lilian had been cut by many of her old chums and she felt it keenly . The clerks in the store were busy and Lilian sat down to wait her turn . Near to her two ladies were also waiting and chatting . `` Helen wants me to let her have a birthday party , '' Mrs. Saunders was saying wearily . `` She has been promised it so long and I hate to disappoint the child , but our girl left last week , and I can not possibly make all the cakes and things myself . I have n't the time or strength , so Helen must do without her party . '' `` Talking of girls , '' said Mrs. Reeves impatiently , `` I am almost discouraged . It is so hard to get a good all-round one . The last one I had was so saucy I had to discharge her , and the one I have now can not make decent bread . I never had good luck with bread myself either . '' `` That is Mrs. Porter 's great grievance too . It is no light task to bake bread for all those boarders . Have you made your jelly yet ? '' `` No . Maria can not make it , she says , and I detest messing with jelly . But I really must see to it soon . '' At this point a saleswoman came up to Lilian , who made her small purchases and went out . `` There goes Lilian Mitchell , '' said Mrs. Reeves in an undertone . `` She looks very pale . They say they are dreadfully poor since Henry Mitchell died .
His affairs were XXXXX a bad condition , I am told . ''
At Maria Saunders by in of since to with without