Meanwhile the others had gone to the front room to see the purchase Mrs. Alexander was making. She had shown no interest in antiques before, so this must be an exceptional piece to lure her money from her.
“Daddy, do come here and tell me if I may have this old chest?” called Ruth, still waiting beside the carved piece.
Then it became apparent that Ruth had wanted it for herself, but that Mrs. Alexander secured it. Everyone wondered why?
Well pleased with her purchase, the new owner of the chest came from the rear room and smiled complacently. Then she spoke to her daughter: “Dodo, when we go to Paris you can fill that old wedding chest with a trooso.”
“Oh yes? Whose is it, Ma?” asked the girl.
“Why yours, of course! That’s why I got it.”
“My very own! for keeps? Or are you only lending it to me?”
“Your very own, deary! I hope you’ll pass it along to the noble children I long to call my grandchildren, some day,” said Mrs. Alexander, sentimentally.
“I thank you, Ma, and I’ll put it to the best use I can think of. And I’ll pass it along—oh yes! but I doubt if grandchildren of yours ever see it,” laughed Dodo, with a queer look.
“I’m glad you got it, Dodo, because it is a lovely thing,” said Ruth to the fortunate owner, trying to hide her disappointment behind a smile.