“Louisa: I have just supervised the opening of a box, which while directed to me was evidently destined for the almshouse. In fact, I doubt whether the inmates of the almshouse would have found the donations acceptable. Beneath newspapers which formed the packing, I found an article, which at first appeared to be a abandoned birds’ nest, but which upon closer inspection was evidently intended for a hat.”
Miss Loomis. (aghast). My hat! Why I paid five dollars for that hat eight years ago and it was perfectly good. A bird’s nest! My hat!
Mrs. Banks. (calmly). May I continue?
“There were a motley collection of ghastly neckties, a tattered overcoat, a forlorn gingham—”
Mrs. Hodges. (indignantly). That was a perfectly good dress, only Clara said she wouldn’t wear it any more!
Mrs. Banks. (continuing). “And other disreputable apparel. I cannot understand the insult and assure you that I deem it unwarranted and unpardonable. I need hardly say that the garments were given to the rag man.
“Your sister-in-law,
“AMELIA WORTHINGTON.”
Mrs. Winter. What an awful letter!
Mrs. Hodges. (shocked). I’m glad I haven’t relations-in-law like that!
Mrs. Banks. It is evidently clear to you ladies, that the labels upon the boxes were mixed, and the box for my sister-in-law reached Mrs. Brown, while the missionary box which we packed was sent by mistake to Mrs. Worthington.