The Diamond as Big as the Ritz & Other Stories

Those two have corrupted you, all right, just living with them, living that kind of life. You're corrupted-or this afternoon would never have happened. Corrupted but not mercenary! You're a lovely child, Alex, lovely.' And he kissed my cheek. 'And it's all right about the panties. I expect we can run to fifteen dollars extra… Now, what about something for yourself? Something you've wanted but haven't expected to get?' "I've heard that line before. My mother is always using it when Christmas or my birthday is coming up. And I never, get what I ask for. Either my mother forgets or. it's too extravagant. So I looked at Dad, shaking my head. "Dad frowned. 'Nothing? Not a gold-plated yacht or rocks off the moon or a diamond as big.as the Ritz? Young lady, there is something wrong with your wantery!' "He made it such a joke I giggled. 'Well, there is something. Maybe it's kind of foolish and awfully extravagant. They cost over a hundred dollars. And yap.' "Dad waved his hand, as if he had a wand that I would produce it right then and there. 'Name it, young lady.' "I shook my head. 'My mother says it's stupid for a young girl to want such a watch ...»