Clara undertook to explain. They were getting some presents ready for Mamma Wilmot, and they did not wish her to know any thing about them till the day of the examination, when they intended to put them on her table with a note which they would all sign. Then their work was exhibited. There was a needle-book from one—a pincushion from another—a pair of slippers embroidered on canvass from a third, and the work-bag which I have already named. These were the presents prepared by Lucy, Martha, Emma, and Kate.
"And now where are your presents?" I asked, turning to Clara and Grace.
"Mine is not done yet," said Clara.
"Well, what is it to be?"
"A locket, set with Grace's hair and mine, and with our names on the back of it."
"And yours, Grace?"
She colored and looked down.
"Show it to Aunt Kitty, Grace," said Harriet; "I am sure she will think it very pretty."
"I do not wonder you are ashamed of it, Grace," said Clara, quickly, "when you might have had such a handsome one, so cheaply too."
"It would not have been cheap for me, Clara."