"
Mr. Randolph sat down and drew his little daughter up to his
side.
"Have you enjoyed it, Daisy?"
"Yes — papa — I have enjoyed it pretty well."
"Only pretty well! — for your birthday! Do you think now you
made a good choice, Daisy?"
"Yes, sir — I think I did."
"What has been wanting? I am afraid your ham did not figure on
the board, if it is so empty?"
Daisy did not answer, but her father, watching her, saw
something in her face which made him pursue the subject.
"Did it?"
"No, papa," said Daisy, colouring a little.
"How was that?"
"Joanna arranged everything that was to go on the table."
"And left the ham out of the question? It seems to me that was
a mistake, though I am not much of a housekeeper. Why was
that?"
"Papa," said Daisy, "do you think I would make a wrong use of
a ham?"
Mr. Randolph laughed. "Why, Daisy, unless you are a finished
economist, that might be. Do you mean that I am not to know
the particular use made of this ham."
"Papa, I wish you would not desire to know!"
But Daisy's face was too much in earnest. "I think I cannot
grant that request," said her father. "You must tell me."
Daisy looked distressed. But she dared not evade the order,
though she feared very much what might come of it.
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