These, when opened, were found to contain each an exquisite coral and gold necklet, which had been bought by the miners themselves, who, of their own accord, had subscribed the money for their purchase.
The two girls were completely overcome, to such an extent, indeed, that they could scarcely collect their ideas sufficiently to beg Mr. Kimberly to thank the donors for them, which duty he performed, however, very happily—promising for them, at the instigation of Charlie, that they would wear the gifts, so gracefully and unexpectedly bestowed upon them, incessantly, and would ever have the pleasantest associations connected with them.
Soon after their guests departed, and the Kimberlys went home.
Archie, Ned, and Minnie were in the parlour discussing the events of the day, and regaling each other with their respective experiences as they were in the habit of doing.
"I am sure there is something serious the matter with Mabel," said Archie, suddenly, "did you not notice something strange about her to-day?"
"She was very tired, you know how little is sufficient to tire her, and the excitement was too much for her," said Minnie.
"I don't think that was all," returned Archie, then suddenly abandoning the subject he inquired where Charlie might be.
"He's with papa in the study," replied Minnie. "I saw him go in a few minutes ago."
"Then I think I'll go and find Seymour. I want somebody to talk to, and Ned looks too lazy even to wink."
"Seymour isn't back yet," drawled Ned, speaking solely for the purpose of disproving Archie's accusation, "he went off with Miss Mabel, and a precious while he has been doing that quarter of a mile."