Though Mary was not aware of it, her entrance into the jewelry store had been remarked by Mrs. Carver, a neighbor and acquaintance of her mother’s. Mrs. Carver, like some others of her sex, was gifted with curiosity, and wondered considerably what errand had carried Mary into the jeweller’s.
Bent upon finding out, she entered the store and approached the counter.
“What did that young girl buy?” she asked.
“You mean that one who just went out?”
“Yes.”
“A gold pencil-case.”
“Indeed,” said Mrs. Carver, looking surprised. “How expensive a pencil did she buy?”
“She paid twelve dollars.”
“Will you show me one like it?”
A pencil, precisely similar, was shown Mrs. Carver, the clerk supposing she wished to purchase. But she had obtained all the information she desired.