Spinning-Wheel Stories

  DAISY'S JEWEL-BOX, AND HOW SHE FILLED IT

  "Plenty of time for another. Let the little folks go to bed, now they'vehad their story, and please go on, auntie," cried Min, when all hadlistened with more interest than they would confess to the children'stale.

  So the small people trotted off, much against their will, and this mostobliging of aunts drew forth another manuscript, saying, as she glancedat several of her elder nieces, brave in the new trinkets Santa Claushad sent them:--

  "This is a story with a moral to it, which the girls will understand;the boys can take naps while I read, for it won't interest them."

  "If it shows up the girls we shall like it," answered Geoff, andcomposed himself to hear and enjoy

  DAISY'S JEWEL-BOX, AND HOW SHE FILLED IT.

  "It would be perfectly splendid, and just what I long for, but I don'tsee how I _can_ go with nothing fit to wear," said Daisy, looking upfrom the letter in her hand, with a face full of girlish eagerness andanxiety.

  Mrs. Field set every fear at rest with a reassuring smile, as shequietly made one of the sacrifices mothers think so small, when made forthe dear creatures for whom they live.

  "You shall go, dear; I have a little sum put by for an emergency.Twenty-five dollars will do a good deal, when tastes are simple and wedo our own dressmaking."

  "But mother, that was for your cloak. You need it so much I can't bearto have you give it up," said sober little Jane, the home-girl, whonever cared for visiting like her gay elder sister.

  "Hush, dear; I can do very well with a shawl over my old sack. Don't saya word to spoil Daisy's pleasure. She needs a change after this dullautumn, and must be neat and nice."

  Janey said no more, and fell to thinking what she had to offer Daisy;for both took great pride in the pretty girl, who was the queen amongher young friends.

  Daisy heard, but was so busy re-reading the letter that she took nonotice then, though she recalled the words later.

  "Come and pass the holidays with us. We all want to see you, and Laurabegs you will not disappoint her."

  This was the invitation that came from Laura's mother; for the two girlshad struck up a great friendship during the summer the city familypassed in the little country town where Daisy lived. She had ardentlyhoped that Laura would not forget the charming plan, and now the cordialmessage came, just when the season would be gayest in town.

  "I suppose I must have the everlasting white muslin for a party dress,as that is the cheapest thing a girl can wear. A nun's-veiling is what Ilong for, but I'm afraid we can't afford it," she said with a sigh,coming back from visions of city delights to the all-important questionof dress.

  "Yes, you can, and new ribbons, gloves, and slippers as well. You are sosmall it doesn't take much, and we can make it right up ourselves. Sorun and collect all your little finery, while I go and do the shoppingat once."

  "You dearest of mothers! how you always manage to give me what I want,and smooth all my worries away. I'll be as good as gold, and bring youthe best present I can find."

  Daisy's grateful kiss warmed the dear woman's heart, and made her forgethow shabby the old sack was, as she trudged away to spend the moneycarefully hoarded for the much needed cloak.

  Needles and fingers flew, and two days before Christmas, Daisy set outfor the enchanted city, feeling very rich with the pretty new dress inher trunk, and five dollars for pocket money. It seemed a large sum tothe country girl, and she planned to spend it all in gifts for motherand Janey, whose tired faces rather haunted her after she had caught thelast glimpse of them.

  Her reception was a warm one, for all the Vaughns were interested in theblooming little creature they had found among the hills, and did theirbest to make her visit a pleasant one. The first day she was in adelightful sort of maze, things were so splendid, gay and new; thesecond she felt awkward and countrified, and wished she had not come. Aletter from her mother on Christmas morning did her good, and gave hercourage to bear the little trials that afflicted her.

  "My clothes do look dowdy beside Laura's elegant costumes, though theydid seem very nice at home; but my hair isn't red, and that's acomfort," she said to herself, as she dressed for the party thatevening.

  She could not help smiling at the bonny figure she saw in the longmirror, and wishing mother and Janey could see the work of their handsin all its glory; for the simple white dress was most becoming, and herkind host had supplied her with lovely flowers for bosom and bouquet.

  But the smile died as she took up her one ornament, an antique necklace,given her by an old aunt. At home it was considered a very rare andbeautiful thing, and Daisy had been rather proud of her rococo chaintill she saw Laura's collection of trinkets, the variety and brilliancyof which dazzled her eyes, and woke a burning desire to possesstreasures of the same sort. It was some consolation to find that themost striking were not very expensive, and after poring over them withdeep interest, Daisy privately resolved to buy as many as her fivedollars would compass. These new ornaments could be worn during hervisit, and serve as gifts when she went home; so the extravagance wouldnot be so great as it seemed.

  This purpose comforted her, as she put on the old necklace, which lookedvery dingy beside the Rhinestones that flashed, the silver bangles thatclashed, and the gilded butterflies, spiders, arrows, flowers, anddaggers that shone on the young girls whom she met that evening. Theirfine dresses she could not hope to imitate, but a pin and a pair ofbracelets were possible, and she resolved to have them, if she had toborrow money to get home with.

  Her head was quite turned by this desire for the cheap trinkets whichattract all feminine eyes now-a-days, and when, among the pretty thingsthat came to her from the Christmas tree that night, she received a blueplush jewel-box, she felt that it was almost a duty to fill it as soonas possible.

  "Isn't it a beauty? I never had one, and it is just what I wanted," saidDaisy, delightedly lifting the tray full of satin beds for prettythings, and pulling out the little drawer underneath, where the giver'scard lay.

  "I told papa a work-box or a fan would be better; but he liked this andwould buy it," explained Laura, who knew how useless it was to herfriend.

  "It was very kind of him, and I prefer it to either of those. I'venothing but my old chain and a shabby little pin to put in it now, butI'll fill it in time," answered Daisy, whose eyes seemed to behold theunbought treasures already reposing on the dainty cushion.

  "Real jewels are the best, my dear, for their worth and beauty are neverlost. The tinsel girls wear now is poor stuff, and money is thrown awayin buying it," said Mrs. Vaughn, who overheard them and guessed thetemptation which beset the little country girl.

  Daisy looked conscious, but answered, with a smile, and a hand on hernecklace, "This old thing wouldn't look well in my pretty box, so I'llleave it empty till I can afford something better."

  "But that antique chain is worth many mock diamonds; for it is genuine,and its age adds to its value. Lovers of such things would pay a goodprice for that and keep it carefully. So don't be ashamed of it, mydear,--though this pretty throat needs no ornament," added Mrs. Vaughn,hoping the girl would not forget the little lesson she was trying togive her.

  Daisy did not, but when she went to bed, set the jewel-box on the tablewhere it would meet her eyes the first thing in the morning, and thenfell asleep trying to decide that she would buy no baubles, since therewere better things to spend her money on.

  Nothing more was said; but as the two girls went about the gay street onvarious pleasant errands, Daisy never could pass the jewellers' windowswithout stopping to gloat over the trays full of enchanting ornaments.More than once, when alone, she went in to inquire the prices of thesemuch coveted trifles, and their cheapness made the temptation harder toresist. Certain things had a sort of fascination for her, and seemed tohaunt her in an uncanny way, giving her no peace till she would decideto buy them. A golden rose with a diamond drop of dew on its leaves gotinto her very dre
ams; an enamelled butterfly flew before her as shewalked, and a pair of silver bangles rattled in her ear like goblincastanets.

  "I shall not be safe till I spend that money, so I might as well decideon something and be at peace," said poor Daisy, after some days of thisgirlish struggle; "I needn't buy anything for mother and Janey, for Ican share my nice and useful presents with them; but I should like to beable to show the girls my lovely jewel-box with something pretty in it,and I will! Laura needn't know anything about it, for I'm sure she'dthink it silly, and so would her mother. I'll slip in now and buy thatrose; it's only three dollars, and the other two will get oneporte-bonheur, or the dear butterfly."

  Making her way through the crowd that always stood before the brilliantwindow, Daisy went in and demanded the rose; then, rather scared by thisreckless act she paused, and decided to look farther before buyinganything else. With a pleasant little flutter of the heart as the prettytrinket was done up, she put her hand into her pocket to pay for it, andall the color died out of her cheeks when she found no purse there. Invain she pulled out handkerchief, keys, and pincushion; no sign of moneywas found but a ten-cent piece which had fallen out at some time. Shelooked so pale and dismayed that the shopman guessed her misfortunebefore she told it, but all the comfort he offered was the uselessinformation that the crowded corner was a great place for pick-pockets.

  There was nothing to be done but to return the rose and go sadly home,feeling that fate was very cruel to snatch away this long-covetedhappiness when so nearly won. Like the milk-maid who upset her pailwhile planning which ribbons would become her best, poor Daisy's dreamsof splendor came to a sudden end; for instead of a golden rose, she wasleft with only ten cents,--and not even a purse to put it in.

  She went home angry, disappointed, and ashamed, but too proud tocomplain, though not able to keep the loss to herself; for it was a sadaffair, and her face betrayed her in spite of her efforts to be gay.

  "I know you were staring at the French diamonds in that corner store. Inever can get you by there without a regular tug," cried Laura, when thetale was very briefly told.

  "I can't help it; I'm perfectly fascinated by those foolish things, andI know I should have bought some; so it is well that I've lost my money,perhaps," answered Daisy, looking so innocently penitent and so franklydisappointed that Mr. Vaughn said kindly:--

  "So it is, for now I have a chance to complete my Christmas present. Iwas not sure it would suit so I gave it empty. Please use this in buyingsome of the 'fascinating things' you like so well."

  A bright ten-dollar gold piece was slipped into Daisy's hand, and shewas obliged to keep it, in spite of all her protestations that she couldlive without trinkets, and did not need it as her ticket home wasalready bought. Mrs. Vaughn added a nice little purse, and Lauraadvised her to keep the lone ten-cent piece for a good-luck penny.

  "Now I can do it with a free mind, and fill my box as Mr. Vaughn wishesme to. Won't it be fun?" thought Daisy, as she skipped up-stairs afterdinner, with a load of care lifted from her spirits.

  Laura was taking a music lesson, so her guest went to the sewing-room tomend the facing of her dress, which some one had stepped on while shestood in that fatal crowd. A seamstress was there, sewing as if for awager, and while Daisy stitched her braid she wondered if there was anyneed of such haste; for the young woman's fingers flew, a feverish colorwas in her cheeks, and now and then she sighed as if tired or worried.

  "Let me help, if you are in a hurry, Miss White. I can sew fast, andknow something of dressmaking. Please let me. I'd love to do anythingfor Mrs. Vaughn, she is so kind to me," said Daisy, when her small jobwas done, lingering to make the offer, though an interesting book waswaiting in her room.

  "Thank you, I guess I can get through by dark. I do want to finish, formy mother is sick, and needs me as well as the money," answered theneedle-woman, pausing to give the girl a grateful smile, then stitchingaway faster than ever.

  "Then I must help. Give me that sleeve to sew up, and rest a little. Youlook dreadfully tired, and you've been working all day," insisted Daisy.

  "That's real kind, and it would be a great help, if you really like it,"answered Miss White, with a sigh of relief as she handed over thesleeve, and saw how heartily and helpfully Daisy fell to work.

  Of course they talked, for the friendly act opened both hearts, and didboth girls good. As the younger listened to the little story of love andlabor, the gold piece burned in her pocket, and tinsel trinkets lookedvery poor beside the sacrifices so sweetly made by this good daughterfor the feeble mother whose comfort and support she was.

  "Our landlord has raised the rent, but I can't move now, for the coldand the worry would kill ma; so I'm tugging away to pay the extra money,else he will turn us out, I'm afraid."

  "Why don't you tell Mrs. Vaughn? She helps every one, and loves to doit."

  "So she does, bless her! She has done a deal for us, and that's why Ican't ask for more. I won't beg while I can work, but worry wears on me,and if I break down what _will_ become of mother?"

  Poor Mary shook the tears out of her eyes, for daylight was going, andshe had no time to cry; but Daisy stopped to wonder how it would seem tobe in her place, "tugging away" day after day to keep a roof overmother. It made her heart ache to think of it, and sent her hand to herpocket with a joyful sense of power; for alms-giving was a new pleasure,and Daisy felt very rich.

  "I've had a present to-day, and I'd love dearly to share it with you ifyou wouldn't mind. I shall only waste it, so do let me send it to yourmother in any shape you like," she said in a timid, but very earnestway.

  "Oh, Miss Field! I couldn't do it! you are too kind; I never thought ofhinting"--began Mary, quite overcome by this unexpected proposal.

  Daisy settled the matter by running away to the study, where Mr. Vaughnwas napping, to ask him if he would give her two fives for the goldpiece.

  "Ah! the fascination is at work, I see; and we can't wait till Monday tobuy the pretty things. Girls will be girls, and must sow their innocentwild oats I suppose. Here, my dear, beware of pick-pockets, and goodluck to the shopping," said the old gentleman, as he put two crisp billsinto her hands, with a laugh.

  "Pick-pockets wont get this, and I _know_ my shopping will prosper now,"answered Daisy, in such a happy tone that Mr. Vaughn wondered what planwas in the girl's head to make her look so sweet and glad.

  She went slowly up-stairs looking at the two bills, which did not seemhalf so precious as when in the shape of gold.

  "I wonder if it would be very extravagant to give her all of it. I shalldo some silly thing if I keep it. Her boots were very thin, and shecoughs, and if she is sick it will be dreadful. Suppose I give her fivefor herself, and five for her mother. I'd love to feel rich and generousfor once in my life, and give real help."

  The house was very still, and Daisy paused at the head of the stairs tosettle the point, little dreaming that Mrs. Vaughn had heard the talk inthe sewing-room, and saw her as she stood thoughtfully staring at thetwo bits of paper in her hand.

  "I shouldn't feel ashamed if Mrs. Vaughn found me out in this, but Ishould never dare to let her see my bangles and pins, if I got them. Iknow she thinks them silly, especially so for me. She said she hoped I'dset a good example to Laura, in the way of simplicity and industry. Iliked that, and so will mother. But then, my jewel-box! All empty, andsuch a pretty thing. Oh dear, I wish I could be wise and silly at thesame time."

  Daisy sighed, and took a few more steps, then smiled, pulled out herpurse, and taking the ten-cent piece tossed it up, saying, "Heads, Mary;tails, myself."

  Up flew the bright little coin, and down it came with the goddess ofliberty uppermost.

  "That settles it; she shall have the ten, and I'll be content with theold chain for all my jewelry," said Daisy aloud; and looking muchrelieved she skipped away, leaving the unsuspected observer to smile ather girlish mode of deciding the question, and to rejoice over thegenerous nature unspoiled as yet.

  She wa
tched her young guest with new interest during the next few days;for certain fine plans were in her mind, and every trifle helped thedecision for or against.

  Mary White went smiling home that night to rejoice with her feeblemother over the help that came so opportunely and so kindly.

  Daisy looked as if her shopping _had_ prospered wonderfully though theold necklace was the only ornament she wore; and those who saw her happyface at the merry-making thought that she needed no other. She danced asif her feet were as light as her heart, and enjoyed that party more thanthe first; for no envy spoiled her pleasure, and a secret contentbrightened all the world to her.

  But the next day she discovered that temptation still had power overher, and she nearly spoiled her first self-conquest by the fall which isvery apt to come after a triumph, to show us how hard it is to standfast, even when small Apollyons get in our way.

  She broke the clasp of the necklace, and Mrs. Vaughn directed her to aperson who mended such things. The man examined it with interest, andasked its history. Daisy very willingly told all she knew, inquiring ifit was really valuable.

  "I'd give twenty-five dollars for it any time. I've been trying to getone to go with a pair of earrings I picked up, and this is just what Iwant. Of course you don't care to sell it, miss?" he asked, glancing atDaisy's simple dress and rather excited face, for his offer almost tookher breath away.

  She was not sufficiently worldly-wise to see that the jeweller wanted itenough to give more for it, and to make a good bargain for herself.Twenty-five dollars seemed a vast sum, and she only paused to collecther wits, before she answered eagerly:--

  "Yes, I _should_ like to sell it; I've had it so long I'm tired of it,and it's all out of fashion. Mrs. Vaughn told me some people would beglad to get it, because it is genuine. Do you really think it is worthtwenty-five dollars?"

  "It's old, and I shall have to tinker it up; but it matches the earringsso well I am willing to pay a good price for it. Will you take the moneynow, miss, or think it over and call again?" asked the man, morerespectfully, after hearing Mrs. Vaughn's name.

  "I'll take it now, if you please, sir. I shall leave town in a day ortwo, and may not have time to call again," said Daisy, taking ahalf-regretful look at the chain, as the man counted out the money.

  Holding it fast, she went away feeling that this unexpected fortune wasa reward for the good use she had made of her gold piece.

  "Now I can buy some really valuable ornament, and wear it without beingashamed. What shall it be? No tinsel for me this time;" and she walkedby the attractive shop window with an air of lofty indifference, for shereally was getting over her first craze for that sort of thing.

  Feeling as if she possessed the power to buy real diamonds, Daisy turnedtoward the great jewellers, pausing now and then to look for some prettygift for Janey, bought with her own money.

  "What can I get for mother? She never will own that she needs anything,and goes shabby so I can be nice. I could get some of those fine, thickstockings, hers are all darns,--but they might not fit. Flannel isuseful, but it isn't a pretty present. What _does_ she need most?"

  As Daisy stopped before a great window, full of all manner ofcomfortable garments, her eye fell on a fur-lined cloak marked "$25." Itseemed to answer her question like a voice, and as she looked at it sheheard again the words,--

  "But, mother, that money was for your cloak, and you need it very much."

  "Hush, dear, don't say a word to spoil Daisy's pleasure. I can do verywell with a shawl over the old sack."

  "How could I forget that! What a selfish girl I am, to be thinking ofjewelry, when that dear, good mother hasn't a cloak to her back. DaisyField, I'm ashamed of you! Go in and buy that nice, warm one at once,and don't let me hear of that ridiculous box again."

  After this little burst of remorse and self-reproach, Daisy took anotherlook; and prudence suggested asking the advice of some more experiencedshopper than herself, before making so important a purchase. As if thefates were interested in settling the matter at once, while she stoodundecided, Mary White came down the street with a parcel of work in herhands.

  "Just the person! The Vaughns needn't know anything about it; and Maryis a good judge."

  It was pleasant to see the two faces brighten as the girls met; rathercomical to watch the deep interest with which one listened and the otherexplained; and beautiful to hear the grateful eagerness in Mary's voice,as she answered cordially:--

  "Indeed I will! You've been so kind to my mother, there's nothing Iwouldn't be glad to do for yours."

  So in they went, and after due consideration, the cloak was bought andordered home,--both girls feeling that it was a little ceremony full oflove and good will; for Mary's time was money, yet she gave it gladly,and Daisy's purse was left empty of all but the good-luck penny, whichwas to bring still greater happiness in unsuspected ways.

  Another secret was put away in the empty jewel-box, and the cloak hiddenin Daisy's trunk; for she felt shy of telling her little businesstransactions, lest the Vaughns should consider her extravagant. But thethought of mother's surprise and pleasure warmed her heart, and made thelast days of her visit the happiest. Being a mortal girl she did give asigh as she tied a bit of black velvet round her white throat, insteadof the necklace, which seemed really a treasure, now it was gone; andshe looked with great disfavor at the shabby little pin, worn where shehad fondly hoped to see the golden rose. She put a real one in itsplace, and never knew that her own fresh, happy face was as lovely; forthe thought of the two mothers made comfortable by her was better thanall the pearls and diamonds that fell from the lips of the good girl inthe fairy tale.

  "Let me help you pack your trunk; I love to cram things in, and dance onthe lid when it won't shut," said Laura, joining her friend next day,just as she had got the cloak-box well hidden under a layer of clothes.

  "Thank you, I'm almost done, and rather like to fuss over my own thingsin my own way. You won't mind if I give this pretty box ofhandkerchiefs to mother, will you, dear? I have so many things, I mustgo halves with some one. The muslin apron and box of bonbons are forJaney, because she can't wear the gloves, and this lovely _jabot_ is tooold for her," said Daisy, surveying her new possessions with girlishsatisfaction.

  "Do what you like with your own. Mamma has a box of presents for yourpeople. She is packing it now, but I don't believe you can get it in;your trunk is so much fuller than when you came. This must go in a safeplace, or your heart will break," and Laura took up the jewel-box,adding with a laugh, as she opened it, "you haven't filled it, afterall! What did you do with papa's gold piece?"

  "That's a secret. I'll tell some day, but not yet," said Daisy, divinginto her trunk to hide the color in her cheeks.

  "Sly thing! I know you've got silver spiders and filagree racquets, andRhine-stone moons and stars stowed away somewhere and won't confess it.I wanted to fill this box, but mamma said you'd do it better yourself,so I let it alone; but I was afraid you'd think I was a selfish pig, tohave a pin for every day in the month and never give you one," saidLaura, as she looked at the single tarnished brooch reposing on thesatin cushion. "Where's your chain?" she added, before Daisy couldspeak.

  "It is safe enough. I'm tired of it, and don't care if I never see itagain." And Daisy packed away, and laughed as she smoothed the whitedress in its tray, remembering that it was paid for by the sale of theold necklace.

  "Give it to me, then. I like it immensely; it's so odd. I'll exchangefor anything of mine you choose. Will you?" asked Laura, who seemed benton asking inconvenient questions.

  "I shall have to tell, or she will think me very ungrateful,"--and Daisyfelt a pang of regret even then, for Laura's offer was a generous one.

  "Like G. W., 'I cannot tell a lie;' so I must 'fess' that I sold the oldthing, and spent the money for something I wanted very much,--notjewelry, but something to give away."

  Daisy was spared further confessions by the entrance of Mrs. Vaughn,with a box in her hand.

&nbs
p; "I have room for something more. Give me that, Laura, it will just fitin;" and taking the little casket, she added, "Mary White wants to tryon your dress, dear. Go at once; I will help Daisy."

  Laura went, and her mother stood looking down at the kneeling girl withan expression of affectionate satisfaction which would have puzzledDaisy, had she seen it.

  "Has the visit been a pleasant one, my dear?"

  "Oh, very! I can't thank you enough for the good it has done me. I hopeI can pay a little of the debt next summer, if you come our way again,"cried Daisy, looking up with a face full of gratitude.

  "We shall probably go to Europe for the summer. Laura is a good age forit now, and we shall all enjoy it."

  "How splendid! We shall miss you dreadfully, but I'm glad you aregoing, and I hope Laura will find time to write me now and then. I shallwant to know how she likes the 'foreign parts' we've talked about somuch."

  "You _shall_ know. We won't forget you, my dear," and with a caressingtouch on the smiling yet wistful face upturned to hers, Mrs. Vaughn wentaway to pack the empty jewel-box, leaving Daisy to drop a fewirrepressible tears on the new gown, over the downfall of her summerhopes, and the longings all girls feel for that enchanted world thatlies beyond the sea.

  "We shall see you before we go, so we won't gush now," said Laura, asshe bade her friend good-by, adding in a whisper, "Some folks can havesecrets as well as other folks, and be as sly. So don't think you haveall the fun to yourself, you dear, good, generous darling."

  Daisy looked bewildered, and Mrs. Vaughn added to her surprise bykissing her very warmly as she said:

  "I wanted to find a good friend for my spoiled girl, and I think I havesucceeded."

  There was no time for explanation, and all the way home Daisy keptwondering what they meant. But she forgot everything when she saw thedear faces beaming at the door, and ran straight into her mother's arms,while Janey hugged the trunk till her turn came for something better.

  When the first raptures were over, out came the cloak; and Daisy waswell repaid for her little trials and sacrifices when she was folded init as her mother held her close, and thanked her as mothers only can.Sitting in its soft shelter, she told all about it, and coming to theend said, as she took up the jewel-box, unpacked with the other generousgifts:--

  "I haven't a thing to put in it, but I shall value it because it taughtme a lesson which I hope I never shall forget. See what a pretty thingit is;" and opening it, Daisy gave a cry of surprise and joy, for therelay the golden rose, with Laura's name and "Sub rosa" on a slip ofpaper.

  "The dear thing! she knew I wanted it, and that is what she meant by'secrets.' I'll write and tell her mine to-morrow."

  "Here is something more," said Janey, who had been lifting the traywhile her sister examined the long-desired flower.

  A pair of real gold bangles shone before her delighted eyes, and a cardin Mr. Vaughn's handwriting bore these words: "Handcuffs for the thiefwho stole the pocketbook."

  Daisy hardly had time to laugh gayly at the old gentleman's joke, whenJaney cried out, as she opened the little drawer, "Here's another!"

  It was a note from Mrs. Vaughn, but all thought it the greatest treasureof the three, for it said briefly,--

  "DEAR DAISY,--Mary told me some of your secrets, and I found out the others. Forgive me and go to Europe with Laura, in May. Your visit was a little test. You stood it well, and we want to know more of you. The little box is not quite empty, but the best jewels are the self-denial, sweet charity, and good sense you put in yourself.

  "Your friend, A. V."

  Daisy could not speak, and her mother looked into the box with eyes fullof tender tears, while Janey danced about them, clashing the bangleslike a happy little bayadere, till her sister found her voice again.

  Pointing to a great, bright tear that shone on the blue velvet, shesaid, with her cheek against her mother's: "I always wanted a realdiamond, and there's a more precious one than any I could buy. Now I'msure my jewel-box _is_ full."