Shakespeare,” said Mary, patting the volume of “Hamlet” lovingly. “If Shakespeare hadn’t given the clue I might not have found the gems for ever and ever so long.” “You might never have found them, Mary!” cried John. “Ginger! how awful! They might have stayed here all your life; or some old bookseller might have got them when you began to fill up with new books in place of these old ones.” “Like Aladdin swapping off his old lamp for a new one,” smiled Dr. Corliss. “No,” said Mary, “that wouldn’t have happened. And I should have found them, anyway, sooner or later. For I shall never part with one of Aunt Nan’s books. And sooner or later I mean to dip into every one, and read it through, if I can. I guess Aunt Nan knew that.” She glanced gratefully at the portrait over the mantelpiece, which seemed to look very happy in the lamplight, while the box of gems stood open on the table. [99] CHAPTER XII THE PARTY FROM Aunt Nan’s pearls Mary kept out a brooch for her mother and two bar-pins for herself and Katy Summers, just alike. The rest of the “Gems from Shakespeare” she entrusted to Mr. Wilde, the family lawyer, who undertook to sell them for her in the city. It was an exciting day for Mary when he told her the result of his mission. “My dear,” said he, with a twinkle in his wise old eyes, “those Shakespeare ‘Gems’ of yours made the eyes of the jewelers pop out of their heads. You won’t have any trouble in going to college when the time comes; if you still wish to do so, and if you haven’t already learned all there is to be known from that famous library of yours. I hold forty thousand dollars in trust for you. Are you disappointed?” “Forty thousand dollars!” Mary could only gasp. And the rest of the family had to pinch themselves to be sure they were not dreaming. But it was, indeed, a fact. There need be no more anxiety or overwork for any of them. With care and economy they were provided[100] for until Mary and John should have finished college and be ready to earn their living. Dr. Corliss could go on writing his book in peace, without worrying about bills. Mrs. Corliss could have a little maid to help her in the housework. [100] And Mary could have a party! “Mother,” said Mary, when
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