and made her look at Violet,
who was passing her hand over the soft fur, caressing it as if she loved
it; and Jessie made them all laugh by telling them that when she became
a rich woman, she meant to send a fur coat to all the ministers.

It is possible that some young people, and even some people not young,
may smile, and be a little contemptuous over the idea of so much
interest and delight in so small a matter. It can only be said of them,
that there are some things happening every day in the world, that such
people don't know of, and cannot be supposed to understand. That a good
woman should have to plan and wait one season, and then another, for the
garment much desired--absolutely necessary for the health and comfort of
her husband, need not surprise any one. It has happened to other than
ministers' wives many a time, I suppose. I know it has happened to some
of _them_. It happened once, certainly, in the experience of Mrs
Inglis, and her delight in Frank's present was as real, though not so
freely expressed, as was that of her children. It came with less of
drawback than usually comes with the receiving of such a present. It
came from one whom they believed quite able to give it, and from one
whom they knew to be speaking the thought of his heart, when he said
that the pleasure of his son Frank--whose present he wished it to be
considered--was greater in giving it than theirs could possibly be in
receiving it. Then there were thanks for their kindness to his boy, and
hopes expressed that the two families would come to know more of each
other in the future than had seemed possible in the past, and,
altogether, it was a nice letter to send and to receive in the
circumstances.

But few pleasures are quite unmixed in this world. Even while Mrs
Inglis was rejoicing over her husband's future comfort, and the removal
of her own anxiety with regard to it, she could not but say to herself,
as she watched his flushed face and languid movements, "If it had only
come a little sooner!" But she did not spoil the enjoyment of the rest
by uttering her thoughts. Indeed, she was displeased with herself,
calling herself unthankful and unduly anxious, and sought with
earnestness to put them out of her mind.

There was something else in the letter sent by Mr Oswald, which, for
the present, the father and mother did not think it necessary to discuss
with the children. This was the offer made to them for David, of the