"To think that if I'm not grown up, someone else is," said Alene mysteriously.
Uncle Fred made no reply but smiled thoughtfully as he puffed away at his pipe.
Heralded by Prince's loud barking, and escorted by Jed and Kizzie, who ran out to investigate, a vendor, laden with a large square basket, came to the kitchen door. Alene, who was at luncheon, hurriedly gulped down her coffee and joined the group.
The man opened his basket and exhibited some really fine specimens of Mexican drawn-work, beaded moccasins and Indian blankets.
Mrs. Major bought a centre piece, Kizzie a collar-and-cuff set, and Alene looked longingly at a pair of dainty moccasins that were now, alas, beyond her means. She thought regretfully of the cut-steel purse in Uncle Fred's possession.
"But even if he were here I wouldn't ask for it. That would be breaking my word," she said sturdily. The man used all his persuasive powers in vain; she looked and longed and sadly shook her head.
At last he took from the bottom of the basket a long wooden box, and raised the lid.
"How lovely!" They all crowded round with cries of admiration.
"You thinka them vair fine!" the man said, picking up a handful and turning them over in the light till they shone like fairy lanterns of rainbow-tinted dew.