why senora ines gives money to rosaura instead of the present?

The theme of merit arises as Rosaura fantasizes about receiving both a yo-yo and a bracelet. Señora Ines’s compliments and Rosaura’s helpfulness suggest to Rosaura that she will be rewarded for her exceptional behavior at the party. But, in an instance of situational irony, Señora Ines undermines Rosaura’s expectations by withdrawing cash from her purse and holding it out to Rosaura. The seemingly generous gesture insults Rosaura and her mother, both of whom make no move to reach for the money but instead stand with their arms at their sides. In a symbolic gesture, Rosaura presses in close to her mother for protection and in an implicit admission that her mother’s hesitation about socializing with rich people should have been heeded.