"
"I do not understand what you are talking of, Daisy."
"No, papa," said Daisy; so simply shewing her wish that he should not as
well as her knowledge that he did not, that Mr. Randolph could not
forbear smiling.
"But I mean to understand it," he said.
"It was my old Egyptian spoon, papa; the doll was meant to be pay for
that."
A little explanation was necessary in order to bring to Mr. Randolph's
mind the facts Daisy referred to, the spoon itself and the time and
occasion when it was bestowed on her.
"Did you give your Egyptian spoon to your aunt Gary?"
"I said she might have it, papa."
"Unwillingly?"
"No, papa--willingly."
"In exchange for this doll?"
"O no, papa--not in exchange for anything. I did not want any exchange."
"If I remember, Daisy," said Mr. Randolph, "your aunt Gary desired to
have that spoon the very day it was given to you; and I thought you did
not wish she should have it?"
"No, papa--so I didn't."
"Your mind changed afterward?"
"I do not think my mind changed," said Daisy slowly--"but I was willing
she should have it."
"Daisy, this whole affair is a mystery to me yet. In this case, why was
it not kind in your aunt to bestow this French doll upon you? it seems
to me very kind."
"Yes papa--you do not understand."
"Make me understand. Daisy, I command you to tell me all that you have
not told me. You need not think of anything now, except my command."
Daisy did, perhaps; for now her lip quivered slightly; and for a moment
she hid her face in her father's bosom.
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