“That’s not getting anywhere,” complained Mrs. Buck, who frankly hoped for a husband for her daughter, although her own matrimonial venture had not been any too successful.
“That was a knock!” insisted the mother a moment later. Judith jumped up from the hammock. “I’ll go outside and see who it is.” 134
“Indeed you won’t! If it’s callers you’ve got to receive them in the house. Just light the lamp in the parlor and then open the door. I ain’t fit to see anybody so I won’t go in.”
Judith did as her mother directed, lit the lamp in the parlor and then cautiously opened the door. Nobody was there, but a large dress box was leaning against the door and fell into the hall when the door was opened. The girl picked it up and carried it into the parlor.
“Mumsy! Come quick! I don’t know what it is but it isn’t a beau. Never mind your dress, but just come!”
The string was broken by eager young hands, although Mrs. Buck begged to be allowed to pick out the knots. The top of the box was snatched off, disclosing much white tissue paper with a folded note pinned in the center.
“It must be flowers,” cried Judith. “I’m so excited I can’t make up my mind to take off the wrappings.
“Well, read the note! It’s addressed to you,” said Mrs. Buck.
“It says: ‘To Miss Judith Buck, from her old fairy god-fathers.’ Oh, Mumsy, my old men are sending me some flowers, to wear to the ball, I guess. I’ll clip the stems to keep them fresh.” 135
“Well, why don’t you open ’em up?”