“What does it feel like to be a Christmas fairy godmother, Aunt Patricia—unlike being a fairy godmother during the remainder of the year. But you look tired yourself, dear, or if not tired something is the matter. What is it?”
Miss Patricia’s expression was unusual, a little shamefaced and appealing, altogether unlike her ordinary air of command.
“I want you to do me a favor, Polly. I came in to ask you and Richard when I hoped to discover you alone. I have wished to find you some little Christmas offering, but could not be sure of what you might desire, besides being shut off up here. So I thought perhaps you might get what you wish and so keep me from making a mistake.”
Flushing, and not glancing toward Mrs. Burton, Miss Patricia thrust into her hand a small slip of paper, and when her eyes fell upon it she discovered it to be a check for a thousand dollars.
“This is merely a small Christmas gift, Polly, which I trust you will not speak of,” Miss Patricia announced in her more familiar tone of severity before the younger woman had an opportunity to respond.
“Richard,” Mrs. Burton said finally, her voice a little uncertain, “Aunt Patricia has just given us a check for a thousand dollars, which of course we cannot accept, chiefly because she is the most generous person in the world, and if she is permitted to go on in this fashion some day will have no money at all. Dear, you know I am everlastingly grateful and that Richard and I already owe you more than we would be willing to accept from any one else, but really we cannot take this as well. There is your home in France for war orphans which must absorb a portion of your capital and then the expense of this cabin and all you have done for me and the girls this winter. You know how deeply I appreciate the added gift, dear, but you must try and see that it is out of the question for Richard and me to be under further obligation.”
“Obligation!” Miss Patricia repeated. “Were you my own daughter, Polly—and a dozen times I have told you that I am as much attached to you as if you were—would you treat my gift in this fashion?”
“Why, yes, dear, I think so. Please do not be hurt, I have told you Richard and I could not accept gifts of money from you.”
Leaning over, Miss Patricia took the check from the younger woman’s hand, tossing it into the fire.
“I presume you agree with Polly, Richard, since you have made no remark,” she added. Then, notwithstanding their protests and effort at persuasion, she arose and stalked out of the room.