"Well!" said Percy, in a tone between resignation and satisfaction. "I never thought I should have such a desk as that in this world. But I don't know what I ought to say."
"You have said just the right thing, dear," remarked Margaret. "You can't please mamma better than by being pleased yourself."
"Well, I do like to have people pleased when I take pains for them," said Mrs. Ackerman, piling some raisins and almonds on Percy's plate. "Now there was old Mrs. Smith, at the Aged Widows' Asylum, you know, Margaret: I hunted the city over to find her a purple-and-black checked shawl, because she wanted one so much; and, after all, she said she thought she would rather have a black and white one, because the purple made the black look green. And when I bought that Paisley shawl for Cousin Sarah, I am sure I would not have taken so much pains for myself, that hot weather. I actually put off going out of town three days, on purpose to buy that shawl; and yet Sarah was not pleased, because she said she was sure she found three threads of cotton on the wrong side."
"I have about made up my mind that I shall not do any more shopping for Cousin Sarah," said Margaret; "only, I suppose, if I don't, you will: and she can't impose on me quite so badly as she does on you; I am not so good-natured. But, as you say, mamma, I do love to have people show themselves gratified, when one tries to please them. I think you must be satisfied this time."
Percy resolved that she would be pleased with everything her aunt did for her. She was examining her desk again before she went to bed, hardly able to believe that she could be the possessor of so many little drawers and pigeon-holes, when there was a knock at a door which Percy had not seen opened, and presently her aunt opened it.
"I was only going to tell you that you can have this door opened into my room, if you like," said she. "You need not hurry in the morning. We are not very early risers; and I will see that you are called in time for prayers and breakfast. You say your own prayers: don't you, dear?"
"Yes, aunt. Mamma taught me," answered Percy, in a low tone.
"Well," thought Percy, as she lay down, "I don't think the dreadful place has come yet. I do believe I was silly, as Jenny said. I wish she had as nice a place to spend her Christmas in."