Now that business was over, Emeline started to regale the poor girl with highlights of her and Barnabas' adventures through the Pacific Northwest, not that she hadn't sent back long, detailed letters.  But now she offered a stereoscope and set of slides to go with it, so Clara could see for herself in 3D!

Finally, though, she laughed and shook her head.  "Oh, but I'm wearing you out...there's just so much to tell!  But there's time for that later.  Right now, I have some presents for you."

Going to the porch, she gathered several bundles wrapped in brown paper.  In them, Clara would find a few dresses of modest and practical cut, a Mother-of-Pearl carved set of brush, comb and hand mirror, some bars of chocolate and a crocheted christening gown.

"These are for you, and no protests!"