"Oh. Miss Verne, that will be delightful," cried Lottie, clapping
her hands in childish glee. "Why, Melindy will have lots of nice
things; I know what brother Phillip is going to give--a pretty China
tea-set--and mine, a pair of napkin rings."
Marguerite smiled at the little maid's enthusiasm, and warned her
against being too communicative to Melindy Jane.
"Indeed, she will not know what they are until brother Phillip and I
go out to Mill Crossing."
Lottie took her departure and Marguerite once more sought her
father's room to take her place beside his bed.
* * * * *
"Spriggins, did you say, papa?"
"Yes, child--I want the paper."
"Which paper, papa--can I get it for you?"
In the effort to make known his wishes his memory had failed him,
and Marguerite stood utterly helpless to execute that wish.
"Something is on papa's mind--some paper. It is, indeed, of much
importance, for poor papa has been deeply agitated."
The girl had noticed that her father's eyes always rested upon her
in a mute, half-despairing appeal, yet she had not courage to
question him upon the matter.
"If I could only speak to Mr.
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