Miss Larkin beamed so pleasantly on the children, that it was impossible not to respond, so they all smiled back at her, while Marjorie said, “I’m sure you will, Miss Larkin.”
“And now,” the lady went on, “I have here a little gift for each of you. I brought them to show my love and affection for you all.”
Then she gave to each of the quartette a small box, and sat beaming benignantly as the children tore open the wrappings.
Cries of delight followed, for the gifts were lovely, indeed.
Marjorie’s was a narrow gold bangle, set all round with tiny half-pearls.
Kitty’s was a gold ring, with a turquoise setting.
King’s, a pair of pretty sleeve-links, and Rosy Posy’s a pair of little gold yoke pins.
“Oh, Miss Larkin!” exclaimed Marjorie, over-whelmed by the beauty and unexpectedness of these gifts.
“It’s just like Christmas,” declared King, and Kitty, too pleased for words, went slowly up to Miss Larkin and kissed her.
The baby was scarcely old enough to be really appreciative, but the other three were delighted with their presents, and said so with enthusiasm.