"That," he explained, "is so you'll write to us often. For I know,
Mops, your old penholder is broken, and it's silver, anyway. This
is nicer, because it's no trouble to keep it clean and bright."

"That's so, King, and I'm delighted with this one. I shall write
you a letter with it, first of all, and I'll tell you all about
the farm."

Mrs. Maynard's gift was in a very small parcel, and when Marjorie
opened it she found a dear little pearl ring.

"Oh, goody!" she cried. "I do love rings, and I never had one
before! May I wear it always, Mother?"

"Yes," said Mrs. Maynard, smiling. "I don't approve of much
jewelry for a little girl not yet twelve years old, but you may
wear that."

Marjorie put it on her finger with great satisfaction, and Kitty
looked at it lovingly.

"May I have one when I am twelve, Mother?" she asked.

"May I, may I?" chimed in Rosy Posy.

"Yes," said Mr. Maynard; "you girls may each have one just like
Marjorie's when you are as old as she is now. That last parcel,
Mops, is my present for you. I'm not sure that you can learn to
use it, but perhaps you can, and if not I'll take it back and
exchange it for something else."