Susy knew her mother would use the fan all the time if she could do it without putting a deprivation upon its owner.

She also knew that her mother could not be persuaded to do that.

A relief most be devised somehow; Susy devised it.

She got five cents out of her money-box and carried it to Patrick, and asked him to take it down-town (a mile and a half) and buy a Japanese fan and bring it home.

He did it--and thus thoughtfully and delicately was the exigency met and the mother's comfort secured.