Yes , she could and would . Theodora flung up her head with a gesture that meant decision . She took out of the locket the bits of hair -- her mother 's and Donald 's -- which it contained -LRB- perhaps a tear or two fell as she did so -RRB- and then hastily donned her warmest cap and wraps . It was only three miles to Spencer ; she could easily walk it in an hour and , as it was Christmas Eve , the shops would be open late . She muse walk , for Ned could not be taken out again , and the mare 's foot was sore . Besides , Aunt Elizabeth must not know until it was done . As stealthily as if she were bound on some nefarious errand , Theodora slipped downstairs and out of the house . The next minute she was hurrying along the trail in the moonlight . The great dazzling prairie was around her , the mystery and splendour of the northern night all about her . It was very calm and cold , but Theodora walked so briskly that she kept warm . The trail from Red Butte to Spencer was a lonely one . Mr. Lurgan 's house , halfway to town , was the only dwelling on it . When Theodora reached Spencer she made her way at once to the only jewellery store the little town contained . Mr. Benson , its owner , had been a friend of her uncle 's , and Theodora felt sure that he would buy her locket . Nevertheless her heart beat quickly , and her breath came and went uncomfortably fast as she went in . Suppose he would n't buy it . Then there would be no Christmas for the children at Red Butte . `` Good evening , Miss Theodora , '' said Mr. Benson briskly . `` What can I do for you ? '' `` I 'm afraid I 'm not a very welcome sort of customer , Mr. Benson , '' said Theodora , with an uncertain smile .
`` I want XXXXX sell , not buy .
As Besides along around for in of that to with