"So should I, but it will be better not at first."
There was much picking and choosing of the proper fabric, much smothered laughter at the Chinese shopkeeper's pigeon English, much satisfaction as the parcel was borne away. It was first carried to another shop where a sheet of clean white paper was purchased; in this it was wrapped, and the address written by the accommodating clerk, so that not the slightest clue should be given to the place where it was originally bought. Then it was given into the hands of a messenger and the two girls in a happy frame of mind took their way to Mrs. Roberts'.
"I'd give anything to see her when she gets it," said Nan. "I wonder if she will be mad, Mary Lee?"
"I hope not. She will be mystified allee samee."
"She will that. She won't know whom to suspect and I'll bet she will pounce on Aunt Helen."
This was precisely what the señorita did. She was not in the house when the package was delivered and Li Hung laid it on the hall table where it was discovered by Miss Dolores later on. As the soft crêpy folds slipped through her fingers she had a girl's natural longing for the silken stuff, but this was but momentary, and was swept away by her stronger feeling of indignant pride. She marched into Miss Helen's presence, her head held high, the package in her hand.
"I will not accept," she said passionately. "I have said this to you and you still have disregard my wish. I am——" She flung the parcel on a chair and sat down bursting into a flood of tears.
"Why, my dear child!" Miss Helen looked amazed. "What is the matter? You will not accept what? I do not understand."
"You did not send me thees?" Miss Dolores pointed tragically to the offending bundle.
"I sent nothing. Please explain."