“But no presents or mail until baths, temperatures taken all around, and breakfast.”
Mimi knew Nurse meant exactly what she said and that no amount of begging would change her orders. Now if it were Mrs. Cole in charge.... But she wasn’t. Nurse’s word was law and obeyed to the letter. So was Dr. Ansley’s. Mimi tried not to show how impatient she was but eagerness danced in her merry blue eyes.
The hour finally came and for once, Mimi had more surprises than she could stand. The last one was the biggest and it brought tears.
First the mail was distributed. Nurse did not call out the names. She had it all sorted and handed each girl a neat stack. Otherwise, she would have read “Mimi Hammond” every other name for Mimi had as much mail as all the others put together.
Now for the packages.
The first one handed to Mimi made her heart leap. From Leipzig.—Careful not the tear the stamps, she ripped it open and lifted out three separate packages. She opened the lumpy one from Junior first. Not a guess what it was. It didn’t rattle or move about. What could it be? A peasant doll! Braided hair, crisp white cap, full skirts held in place by a tight bodice. Precious! The doll would sit on top of Mimi’s trunk in the living room so that all who opened the door of two hundred and seven could see and admire. And what could this one from Daddy be? Shake it. Feel it. No; guess again. Wrong both times. A Bohemian necklace with a crystal pendant to wear to Christmas parties. Daddy liked every one well and gay. He must realize, too, that she was growing up. This thin, flat package from Mother. Not as thick as a book but about that shape. Careful! Don’t tear. A picture and what a sweet one! Mimi did not fully appreciate what she had until the letter came telling about the trip to the Dresden Gallery to see Coregio’s, “The Holy Night,” and the “Sistine Madonna.” The print they sent Mimi was a Hanfstaengel called “The Cherubim,” artistically copying the little angels who hover around the Virgin in the full picture of the Madonna. Beaming faces. Mimi loved them. What wonderful gifts from Leipzig!
Then the small packages. Stationery from Chloe with Tumble Inn hand blocked in the upper left corner. Oh, these art students. Mimi’s fingers felt thick and clumsy as she untied Betsy’s package. It did not look neat but Mimi never judged inside by outside. An enviable black and white sport belt to wear with her riding habit. Two plain sport handkerchiefs from Madge with this verse printed on the card:
“Some hankies for show,
Some hankies for blow;
You know which to do