She snapped the bag and smiled at the old woman carelessly. What a sweet surprise she would have tomorrow morning!
Nance crossed slowly, glancing once at the girl wistfully as if she wanted to say something friendly, and then, alarmed at her presumption, hurried on into the little shed-room.
Mary waited until she returned.
“Room's all ready in thar, ma'am,” she drawled, passing into the kitchen without a pause.
“All right—thank you,” Mary answered.
She quickly opened the bag, thrust her hand into the gold and withdrew it, holding a costly green-leather jewelry-case of exquisite workmanship. There could be no mistake about its value.
With a cry of joy, she started back, staring at the little box.
“Another surprise! And for me! Oh, Jim, man, you're glorious! My Christmas present, of course! I mustn't look at it—I won't!”
She pushed the case from her toward the bag and drew it back again.
“What's the difference? I'll take one little, tiny peep.”