“That is Susie’s ball costume,” Miss Dean said; “I didn’t show it to you yesterday because I felt it might be wrong to let you know that I approved of balls and dancing; but I decided to-day that it wouldn’t do any harm. My mother didn’t like to have me learn to dance, but I don’t see anything wrong in Susie’s going to parties and balls, just to look on, anyway.”
My eyes had travelled from Susie to the black-and-gold lacquered box, which now stood upon the low table by the side of Susie’s chair. I think Miss Dean must have seen me looking at it, for in a moment she said:
“I felt so bad to think I forgot to give you that box yesterday. That is one reason I am having the party to-day. Take it now, to please a little old lady.” As she handed it to me, I remember she said, “My, how your eyes dance, child!”
I opened the box, and found inside two smaller black-and-gold lacquered boxes that just fitted the space. The first one I opened had in it a beautiful coral necklace—
“The one you have on now?” cried Betty, dropping her paint-brush and coming to Miss Ruth’s side.
“Yes, the very one,” Miss Ruth answered. “You have quick eyes, Betty.”
Elsa and the twins crowded around to look at the exquisitely cut, pinkish-red coral necklace.
“What was in the other box?” Betty asked. “It seems to me I can’t wait to hear!”
“The other box proved to be a dainty work-box with an ivory thimble, ivory-handled scissors and an ivory-covered needle-book. As I told you, Miss Dean’s father had been a sea-captain, and he had brought these things from a foreign country.”
“Have you kept the boxes, Miss Ruth?” Elsa asked shyly.