As they were busily going through the garments, Virginia remarked, “Are all these things to go to the missionaries at Tien Tsin?” and she adjusted her lorgnette to inspect the heap.
“Yes,” Mrs. Burke responded wearily, “and I hope they’ll get what comfort they can out of ’em.”
“You don’t seem to be very appreciative, Mrs. Burke,” Virginia reproved.
“Well, I suppose I ought to be satisfied,” Hepsey replied. “But it does seem as if most people give to the Lord what they can’t use for themselves any longer—as they would to a poor relation that’s worthy, but not to be coddled by too much charity.” 75
“I think these things are quite nice enough for the missionaries,” Virginia retorted. “They are thankful for anything.”
“Yes, I know,” Mrs. Burke replied calmly. “Missionaries and their families have no business to have any feelings that can’t be satisfied with second-hand clothes, and no end of good advice on how to spend five cents freely but not extravagantly.”
“But don’t you believe in sending them useful things?” Virginia asked loftily.
“So I do; but I’d hate that word ‘useful’ if I was a missionary’s wife.”
“Might I inquire,” asked Miss Bascom meekly, “what you would send?”
“Certainly! I’d send a twenty-five-cent scent bag, made of silk and filled with patchouli-powder,” said Hepsey, squarely.