"She would be so furious she wouldn't speak to me.

But after the holidays, it won't be so fresh in her mind.

Promise you won't tell her." Still laughing, Mary promised, and Elise began to gather up the various articles of her disguise, saying, "It was worth a five-pound box of chocolates to hear her describe me as a reckless scape-grace in that sorority racket we had." The mention of candy had the effect of an electric shock on Mary.
"Mercy!" she cried.

"I forgot all about that stuff I left upstairs." Instantly sobered, she hurried away to its rescue.

She had intended to go down only long enough to discover the caller's errand, and then excuse herself until the candy could be safely left.