They found that the plan was very favorably received wherever they went. Mary Jay had taken a great deal of interest in performing acts of kindness for the girls while she was in school with them, as is described in Lucy’s Stories. And she had instructed them since, and read them stories out of her Morocco Book, and had often given them good advice; and she had done all in so gentle and pleasant a manner, that she had acquired a great influence over all the children, which she had used in such a manner as to do them a great deal of good. So the children were all very much pleased with Marielle’s plan, and their parents were very much pleased too.
They generally asked Marielle what the present was to be. But she said that it was not for her to decide that; but that, as soon as all the money was collected, all the girls that had joined in it were to have a meeting, and then consider what it would be best to buy.
They collected several dollars; and it was agreed that they should all meet that afternoon, in the garden, at Marielle’s, to determine what to buy. And in the mean time, Lucy was to go and see Mary Jay, and find out what day she was going to leave town, in order that they might know how soon they must have the present ready. But they charged Lucy not to let Mary Jay know what the reason was which led her to inquire.
That afternoon, they all assembled for their consultation. The persons were just the same that had been at the gypsy supper; for all that were at the gypsy supper had contributed. Miss Anne went also with Lucy, as it was necessary to have some one older than the rest, to preside.
There were a great many things proposed for the present. One wanted it to be a new gown, another a desk, another some books.
“A watch,” said Laura—“how would a watch do?”
“O yes,” they all exclaimed, “a watch, a watch! let us get a watch.”
“No,” said Miss Anne, “you cannot have a watch. There is not money enough for a watch.”
“Not money enough?” said little Charlotte. “O Miss Anne, there is a great deal of money.”
“Yes,” replied Miss Anne, “I know there is; but it is not enough to buy a good watch. And it would be best not to give her one, unless it was a good one.”