“Why, Aunt Zoe! that would be just insulting papa! I shan’t consent to it at all!” Lulu burst out indignantly.
“Oh no; it would be only to make fun, and your father would understand it and be as much amused as any one else.”
“I don’t like it; I couldn’t bear to have such a thing as that given to him,” returned Lulu. “I want to buy him a gold pen and holder that I saw in the city. I have money enough, and don’t you suppose I can get somebody to go for it?”
“Oh that will be easy enough,” said Zoe good-naturedly. “Edward is going in to-day, and I know he will do the errand willingly.”
“Oh, that will be nice! Thank you,” said Lulu, in a tone of delight, “I must run and tell Gracie about it.”
She was turning to go, but Zoe detained her. “Wait a moment,” she said. “There are some pretty things to be made for adorning the magic cave; do you want to help with the work?”
“Yes, Aunt Zoe, if you will show me what to do,” Lulu answered a little doubtfully, “you know I’m not an expert needle-woman; but I think I should enjoy working with pretty things; it would be much more interesting than plain sewing.”
“Yes, indeed, and you will take to it very readily if I am not greatly mistaken. I’ll join you presently, bringing some of the materials, and show you what is wanted.”
“Oh, if you please, Aunt Zoe! I’ll be ever so much obliged; you’ll find me in Gracie’s and my sitting-room,” Lulu answered, hurrying away.
“Yes; that will be a nice one for you to give papa,” Grace said in reply to Lulu’s communication, “but what shall I give him? I want to give him something too.”