But it must be handsome: a diamond pin or ring, or ear-rings." "Mamma says diamonds are quite unsuitable for young girls," said Rosie.
"So I prefer pearls: and I'm rather in hopes she may give me some for Christmas." "I'd rather have diamonds anyhow," persisted Sydney.

"See Maud's new ring, just sent her by a rich old aunt of ours.

I'm sure it looks lovely on her finger and shows off the beauty of her hand." "Yes, I've been admiring it," said Lulu, "and I thought I'd never seen it before." Maud held out her hand with, evident pride and satisfaction, while the others gathered round her eager for a close inspection of the ring.
They all admired it greatly and Maud seemed gratified.
"Yes," she said, "it certainly is a beauty, and Chess says it must be worth a good deal; that centre stone is quite large, you see, and there are six others in a circle around it." "I should think you'd feel very rich," remarked Lulu; "I'd go fairly wild with delight if I had such an one given me." "Well then, why not give your father a hint that you'd like such a Christmas gift from him ?" asked Sydney.
"I'm afraid it would cost too much," said Lulu, "and I wouldn't want papa to spend more on me than he could well afford." "Why, he could afford it well enough!" exclaimed Maud.

"Your father is very rich--worth his millions, I heard Cousin Horace say not long ago; and he knows of course." Lulu looked much surprised.

"Papa never talks of how much money he has," she said, "and I never supposed it was more than about enough to keep us comfortable; but millions means a great deal doesn't it ?" "I should say so indeed! more than your mind or mine can grasp the idea of." Lulu's eyes sparkled.