On leaving all the guests receive a small present. When Rosaura leaves she is not presented with a gift like all the other guests but is rather offered money for her "services." The shock of the socials made in this gesture is intensified by the previous appearance of the acceptance of Rosaura. In the last few sentence, Senora Ines does not look the pink bag of gifts but rather looks into her praise and take out some money. "You really and truly earned this," she said handing them over. 'Thank you for all your help my pet'." ( Hecker) This sentence carries it all the weight of implied social prejudice and class distinction and must be devastating to the young girl who feels that she had been accepted as an equal during the party. The last sentence of the story expertly conveys a sense of the tension and shock at the reality of ingrained social prejudices and how they affect and hurt people in society. "Senora Ines, motionless, stood there with her hand outstretched. As if she didn't dare draw...

As if the slightest change might shatter an infinitely delicate balance." ( Hecker) This "delicate balance" referred to is the distance and which must be sustained between the employer and the maid and her daughter. Although Rosaura has been invited as friend to the party her status and position as the daughter of a maid is still central to who she is. What is perhaps even more shocking is that Senora Ines probably thinks that she is being kind and considerate in offering money and is unaware of the devastating effect that her actions must have on the young girl.
In conclusion, this story provides sad but realistic insight into the harsh reality of social distinction and prejudice in society. By using an innocent and unprejudiced young girl as the main character, the author intensifies the effect of prejudice by showing how it impacts the innocent and how, by implication, it has the potential to destroy or pervert normal and healthy relationships.