“It doesn’t seem right for me to take it,” replied Elsie; “and I hope you won’t think me ungrateful if I refuse.”
“Why, if you will be so quixotic I will not urge it upon you, of course; but you are the first of your class I ever remember to refuse a gift. I must congratulate Helen on her rare good fortune. Your action is quite unusual, I assure you.”
At the first opportunity Elsie turned to Martha and Mary, who had smiled audibly behind their handkerchiefs at witnessing the little scene. “Did I do anything wrong?” she asked pitifully.
“Don’t know as it’s very wrong,” answered Martha, “but it’s awful silly, and you’ll find out that the tips the rich folks give you’ll buy lots o’ nice things.”
“If that’s all I don’t care,” said Elsie. “I don’t want to be rude.”
“Why didn’t you want it?” asked Mary curiously.
“Because I am paid by Mrs. Mason for my work, and because somehow it touched my pride to be offered money for nothing.”
Martha and Mary laughed. “That’s a queer pride of your’n, Elsie. I never seen none like it before,” exclaimed Martha.
“It is a pride I hope that harms no one; not even myself.”
“I don’t know about that! You’ll always get left if you stand too much on your dignity.”