“I heard that there are wonderful bargains in sweaters here,” said Martha, as they went out upon the street again; “and I’d like to find them.”
After a little search, they found the shop where woolens of all kinds were sold, and Martha went into raptures over the various articles.
“I’m going to get that doll for Ellen Harris, and this scarf for Betty——
“Do you think that is really wise?” interrupted Jeanette.
“What?”
“Taking presents to those children?”
“Why not?”
“If it were only this once, it might not matter so much; but don’t you see that you will be creating a precedent? Like all children, and some grown-ups, they will then look for souvenirs every time you or any of us go away in the future. One can’t always be bringing things, and yet, naturally, you hate to disappoint children.”
“Maybe you’re right,” said Martha slowly. “But the things are darling.”
“Nancy and I decided when we first began to go on trips that we’d each take our mother some little gift, but no one else. Wholesale buying of souvenirs is very expensive, and sometimes is the cause of much jealousy and dissatisfaction. There is no good stopping place, once you have begun. If you really want to buy any of these things for friends, I would suggest that you get them as Christmas gifts. Lots of people buy their gifts when on their vacations.”