"Then go and see!" But as all the girls made a rush, he exclaimed, "No, no, not all together. Something will be smashed, sure. Let the boss attend to it."
Everybody else stood back, but Bet grabbed the package.
"Well, since when are you boss of Shirley's Shop?" laughed the Colonel. "You forget, you're only boss of Merriweather Manor."
Shirley laughed and undid the strong cord and covering of the box, which was filled with excelsior.
"I don't believe there's a thing in it," said Bet. "He's putting something over on you, Shirley."
But just then the girl's fingers touched something and she drew it forth.
"Oh Daddy, how did you know that's just what we want for our window display?" cried Bet as Shirley held up an exquisite vase and Bet dug her hand into the box and brought forth some vanity cases and other bright objects that the Colonel had chosen.
"How did you ever think of all these lovely things?" said Bet, looking at her father with pride and satisfaction.
"Well, when I went around to the gift shop where I left Shirley's pictures, I just kept my eyes open."
"And did you buy them right there?" asked Bet.