"'I don't intend wearing them! It's my present for Clementina's birthday!'
"'You foolish thing! Why didn't you consult me? A pair of black ones would wear so much longer!'
"Roxana's manner did not chill my pleasure. I went upstairs and wrote an inscription on a card:—
"'For Clementina on her Tenth Birthday, from Edna,' and placed it with the garters.
"I could hardly wait for the next day! I pictured Clem's surprise and rapture.
"Mother came home, and after supper I slipped away to get the package to show to her. I knew when I returned to the sitting-room, that Roxana had told her about my purchase and how she regarded it.
"She said it was pretty but—well, they kept on about it, until I began to think myself a culprit. I could hardly see the pink garters for my tears. At last Roxana suggested an exchange. By that time I didn't care for anything; all my pleasure in the gift was spoiled.
"'I'll not give Clementina anything,' I said.
"'Don't be unreasonable, child, the black garters will be so useful,' chided my mother.
"'But Clementina admired these!'