Her mother saw it, and wondered if anything in all this naughty world is more innocent than a child’s blush? She was sure there is nothing half so fair.
“Well, dear, go on.”
“So I was thinking——Are these Pancake heathen almost as bad as the Chinese, mamma?”
“Yes, quite as bad, I should say.”
“Well, then, couldn’t I give them all my July pin-money, and not let anybody know it? That would make up for the Chinese babies; and I know I should feel better.”
“Are you in sober earnest, Mary?”
“Yes, mamma, I’ve thought and thought about it. I’m in real earnest this time, and I don’t want to be ‘seen of men.’ Do you understand, mamma?”
“Yes, dear, I understand. But you wanted new gloves and new music.”
“I know it, but I don’t care. I can wait. I’ve thought it all over, and I shan’t be sorry this time. Are you willing?”
“Perfectly willing.”