“That’s nice of you to say such things, dear, because I haven’t but one ancestor on my paternal side and that’s father, but he’s generations in himself, he’s so splendid. But to go on, Molly, dear, I am rich, not ordinarily rich, but enormously, vastly rich. It’s absurd, really, because we’ll never spend it, and we don’t care a rap about saving it; but whatever father touches just turns to gold.”
“I wish he’d touch something for me,” laughed Molly, wistfully.
“Now, listen to me, dear, and don’t interrupt. Father adores me to that extent that I could spend any amount of money and he would just smile and say: ‘Go ahead, little Mary, go as far as you like.’ But, you see, I only want a few very nice things, consequently, I can’t be extravagant to save my life.”
Molly laughed aloud at this naïve confession.
“The point I’m coming to is this, Molly: Judith Blount is being exceedingly horrid over that ring. I believe myself it will be found eventually. But until it is found, I want you—now don’t interrupt me and don’t carry on, please—I want you to ask her the value of her old ring and give her the money for it. If she chooses to be ill-bred, she must be treated with ill-bred methods.”
“But, dearest Mary, I can’t——” began Molly.
“Yes, you can. I haven’t known you but a few months, Molly, but I’ve learned to love you in that time. And when I really care for any one, which is seldom, she becomes a sister to me. You are my little sister, and shall always be. I shall never change. And between sisters there must be no foolish pride. Now, Molly, I want to settle this thing with Judith Blount once and for all, through you, of course. She is not to know I had anything to do with it. You must tell her that you have raised the money and would like to pay her the full value of the ring. When the ring is found, she can give you back the money. That will stop her wicked, wagging tongue, at least.”
Molly tried hard not to cry, but the tears welled up in her eyes and trickled down her cheeks. She took Mary’s hand and kissed it.
“I wish I could kiss you, dearest Mary,” she sobbed; “but you see, I’ve got such a bad cold.”
How could she thank Mary for her generous offer or explain that her family would never allow her to accept the money, even if she felt she could herself?