“Yes, that is it,” replied Isabel, joyfully. “I am so glad that we can open them at last. I want to know how much we have saved. Shall I bring them now?”
“If you please. I have just finished learning my geography lesson.”
Isabel ran to the closet, and quickly returned with two money-boxes, or banks, in her hand. She gave one to her sister, and taking the other herself, they both succeeded, without much difficulty, in making an opening so that they could get at the treasure within. For nearly a year the little girls had saved almost every penny which had been given them, that they might have the pleasure of giving as well as receiving the pretty holiday gifts.
“Well, Mary, how much have you?” asked Isabel, as she finished counting the pile of pennies, sixpences, and shillings which lay before her.
“Four dollars and a few pennies,” answered Mary. “I did not think I had so much.”
“And I have a little more than five dollars,” said Isabel, triumphantly. “You know I saved the gold dollar which grandfather gave me, and you did not. Are you not sorry that you spent it?”
“Not at all, Isabel. That dollar has done more good in the last two months than it would have done lying in our little banks. You know I bought a nice pair of shoes and some stockings for Susan Green, that she might attend the sabbath school. Her teacher says she is learning very fast, and is one of the best children in her class.”
“Well, never mind that now, Mary. Let us talk about the best way to spend our money. What will you buy for father and mother? I am going to work a pair of slippers for father, and I shall buy a pretty worked collar for mother. I heard her say the other day that she needed some new collars.”
“Have you time to embroider a pair of slippers?” asked Mary.
“Oh yes! Ellen Shaw taught me a new way. I shall buy the slippers ready made, and then embroider them with gold thread. They will cost me about a dollar, and mother’s collar will be nearly two. Then I must buy a present for Betsey; a new apron will please her, I think, and will not cost too much. I have a nice plan for spending the remainder of the money; but first let me hear what you are going to do with yours.”