It was thought best not to spoil the pleasure of the absent ones by telling them of this misfortune, since there was no real danger attending it, and after a few days Mellicent rather enjoyed being the object of commiseration, and thought she must look very interesting with her arm in a sling made of a large silk handkerchief. She was particular that the handkerchief should be a delicate blue, which contrasted becomingly with her golden curls and fair skin. She was, however, a patient little girl, and only by a pathetic expression showed when she suffered.
The boys were most gallant, and did all manner of things to amuse her, so that probably she did not really regret the accident any more than Persis did.
The travellers returned in due time, and of course there was a great chatter to be heard when the three sisters met together. Lisa had enjoyed every minute of her visit,—so she expressed herself,—and she told wonderful tales of the social delights Washington had to offer.
It was the day after the return of the travellers that Mellicent, who was still housed, stood anxiously awaiting the appearance of Persis after school, and she greeted her sister with, “I know an awfully nice something, but I can’t tell it. Oh, Persis, you’ll be the gladdest girl. There! I’ll let it out if I don’t stop. I heard grandma talking to papa, and she said you had been so good and thoughtful and self-sacrificing.” Persis was blushing furiously. “Yes, she did,” continued Mellicent; “and then she told me a secret. No, I won’t tell; that would spoil it all.”
But a clattering up the steps and an excited summons from Porter took both the girls down-stairs. Porter was hopping around on one foot in a high state of glee, while Basil was critically examining the different parts of a shining new wheel which stood in the hall.
“Look! Look!” cried Porter. “It’s yours, Perse. See the tag, ‘Miss Persis Holmes.’ Hurrah for you!”
“What! What!” cried Persis. “For me?”
“Yes,” certified Millicent. “And that is the secret. You can’t guess who gave it to you—grandma.”
“Grandma!” echoed Persis.
“Yes; when she found you went for the doctor, and got him here in such a jiffy, she gave in, I heard her say to papa; and she said you had given up your visit so generously, and were such a comfort while they were all away, that she wanted you to have a wheel. Isn’t it a beauty?”