878 
A PRESENT. 
acquirements, was learning forbearance, and, 
though she looked hurt, she held her peace. 
Matilda would have gone on to provoke 
her still further, but was happily diverted by 
the appearance of Richard, who came in 
carrying something very carefully in both 
hands. 
“ What in the world have you got there ?” 
asked Annie. 
Richard set his burden down and un¬ 
covered it. It proved to be a small work¬ 
table, with a drawer and lid, made of black 
walnut and beautifully polished. It was 
fitted with a lock and key; and on the top 
of the lid was an L inlaid in curled maple 
and surrounded with a pretty and ingenious 
border of the same. It was really a very 
elegant and tasteful affair. 
“ Where is Aunt Louisa?” said Richard, 
as the children crowded around: “it is her 
property. Aunt Louisa, here is a present a 
young gentleman sent you.” 
“ A present for me ?” said Miss Winston, 
wonderingly; “and from a young gentle¬ 
man? What a beautiful work-table!” she 
continued, as she examined it. “It is just 
what I have always been wanting; but I 
