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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Doll and Her Friends, by Unknown
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Doll and Her Friends
+       or Memoirs of the Lady Seraphina
+
+Author: Unknown
+
+Illustrator: Hablot K. Browne
+
+Release Date: June 18, 2007 [EBook #21861]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DOLL AND HER FRIENDS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Jana Srna and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The University of Florida, The Internet
+Archive/Children's Library)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Page 59.]
+
+
+                      THE
+
+             DOLL AND HER FRIENDS;
+
+                      OR
+
+        Memoirs of the Lady Seraphina.
+
+
+
+               BY THE AUTHOR OF
+ "LETTERS FROM MADRAS," "HISTORICAL CHARADES,"
+                   ETC. ETC.
+
+
+
+ WITH FOUR ILLUSTRATIONS BY HABLOT K. BROWNE,
+         ENGRAVED BY BAKER AND SMITH.
+
+
+
+                    BOSTON:
+          TICKNOR, REED, AND FIELDS.
+
+                   MDCCCLII.
+
+
+
+   PRINTED BY THURSTON, TORRY, AND EMERSON.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+My principal intention, or rather aim, in writing this little Book, was
+to amuse Children by a story founded on one of their favorite
+diversions, and to inculcate a few such minor morals as my little plot
+might be strong enough to carry; chiefly the domestic happiness produced
+by kind tempers and consideration for others. And further, I wished to
+say a word in favor of that good old-fashioned plaything, the Doll,
+which one now sometimes hears decried by sensible people who have no
+children of their own.
+
+
+
+
+The Doll and Her Friends.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+I belong to a race, the sole end of whose existence is to give pleasure
+to others. None will deny the goodness of such an end, and I flatter
+myself most persons will allow that we amply fulfil it. Few of the
+female sex especially but will acknowledge, with either the smile or the
+sigh called forth by early recollections, that much of their youthful
+happiness was due to our presence; and some will even go so far as to
+attribute to our influence many a habit of housewifery, neatness, and
+industry, which ornaments their riper years.
+
+But to our _influence_, our silent, unconscious influence alone, can
+such advantages be ascribed; for neither example nor precept are in our
+power; our race cannot boast of intellectual endowments; and though
+there are few qualities, moral or mental, that have not in their turn
+been imputed to us by partial friends, truth obliges me to confess that
+they exist rather in the minds of our admirers than in our own persons.
+
+We are a race of mere dependents; some might even call us slaves. Unable
+to change our place, or move hand or foot at our own pleasure, and
+forced to submit to every caprice of our possessors, we cannot be said
+to have even a will of our own. But every condition has its share of
+good and evil, and I have often considered my helplessness and
+dependence as mere trifles compared with the troubles to which poor
+sensitive human beings are subject.
+
+Pain, sickness, or fatigue I never knew. While a fidgetty child cannot
+keep still for two minutes at a time, I sit contentedly for days
+together in the same attitude; and I have before now seen one of those
+irritable young mortals cry at a scratch, while I was hearing needles
+drawn in and out of every part of my body, or sitting with a pin run
+straight through my heart, calmly congratulating myself on being free
+from the inconveniences of flesh and blood.
+
+Of negative merits I possess a good share. I am never out of humor,
+never impatient, never mischievous, noisy, nor intrusive; and though I
+and my fellows cannot lay claim to brilliant powers either in word or
+deed, we may boast of the same qualifications as our wittiest king, for
+certainly none of us ever 'said a foolish thing,' if she 'never did a
+wise one.'
+
+Personal beauty I might almost, without vanity, call the 'badge of all
+our tribe.' Our very name is seldom mentioned without the epithet
+_pretty_; and in my own individual case I may say that I have always
+been considered pleasing and elegant, though others have surpassed me in
+size and grandeur.
+
+But our most striking characteristic is our power of inspiring strong
+attachment. The love bestowed on us by our possessors is proof against
+time, familiarity, and misfortune:
+
+    'Age cannot wither' us, 'nor custom stale'
+    Our 'infinite variety.'
+
+With no trace of our original beauty left,--dress in tatters, complexion
+defaced, features undistinguishable, our very limbs mutilated, the mere
+wreck of our former selves,--who has not seen one of us still the
+delight and solace of some tender young heart; the confidant of its
+fancies, and the soother of its sorrows; preferred to all newer
+claimants, however high their pretensions; the still unrivalled
+favorite, in spite of the laughter of the nursery and the quiet contempt
+of the schoolroom?
+
+Young and gentle reader, your sympathy or your sagacity has doubtless
+suggested to you my name. I am, as you guess, a DOLL; and though not a
+doll of any peculiar pretensions, I flatter myself that my life may not
+be quite without interest to the young lovers of my race, and in this
+hope I venture to submit my memoirs to your indulgent consideration.
+
+I am but a small doll; not one of those splendid specimens of wax,
+modelled from the Princess Royal, with distinct fingers and toes, eyes
+that shut, and tongues that wag. No; such I have only contemplated from
+a respectful distance as I lay on my stall in the bazaar, while they
+towered sublime in the midst of the toys, the wonder and admiration of
+every passing child. I am not even one of those less magnificent, but
+still dignified, leathern-skinned individuals, requiring clothes to take
+off and put on, and a cradle to sleep in, with sheets, blankets, and
+every thing complete. Neither can I found my claim to notice upon any
+thing odd or unusual in my appearance: I am not a negro doll, with wide
+mouth and woolly hair; nor a doll with a gutta-percha face, which can be
+twisted into all kinds of grimaces.
+
+I am a simple English doll, about six inches high, with jointed limbs
+and an enamel face, a slim waist and upright figure, an amiable smile,
+and intelligent eye, and hair dressed in the first style of fashion. I
+never thought myself vain, but I own that in my youth I did pique myself
+upon my hair. There was but one opinion about _that_. I have often heard
+even grown-up people remark, 'How ingeniously that doll's wig is put on,
+and how nicely it is arranged!' while at the same time my rising vanity
+was crushed by the insinuation that I had an absurd smirk or a
+ridiculous stare.
+
+However, the opinions of human beings of mature age never much disturbed
+me. The world was large enough for them and me; and I could contentedly
+see them turn to their own objects of interest, while I awaited in calm
+security the unqualified praise of those whose praise alone was valuable
+to me--their children and grand-children.
+
+I first opened my eyes to the light in the Pantheon Bazaar. How I came
+there I know not; my conscious existence dates only from the moment in
+which a silver-paper covering was removed from my face, and the world
+burst upon my view. A feeling of importance was the first that arose in
+my mind. As the hand that held me turned me from side to side, I looked
+about. Dolls were before me, dolls behind, and dolls on each side. For a
+considerable time I could see nothing else. The world seemed made for
+dolls. But by degrees, as my powers of vision strengthened, my horizon
+extended, and I perceived that portions of space were allotted to many
+other objects. I descried, at various distances, aids to amusements in
+endless succession,--balls, bats, battledores, boxes, bags, and baskets;
+carts, cradles, and cups and saucers. I did not then know any thing of
+the alphabet, and I cannot say that I have quite mastered it even now;
+but if I were learned enough, I am sure I could go from A to Z, as
+initial letters of the wonders with which I soon made acquaintance.
+
+Not that I at once became aware of the uses, or even the names, of all I
+saw. No one took the trouble to teach me; and it was only by dint of my
+own intense observation that I gained any knowledge at all. I did not at
+first even know that I was a doll. But I made the most of opportunities,
+and my mind gradually expanded.
+
+I first learned to distinguish human beings. Their powers of motion made
+a decided difference between them and the other surrounding objects, and
+naturally my attention was early turned towards the actions of the
+shopwoman on whose stall I lived. She covered me and my companions with
+a large cloth every night, and restored the daylight to us in the
+morning. We were all perfectly helpless without her, and absolutely
+under her control. At her will the largest top hummed, or was silent;
+the whip cracked, or lay harmlessly by the side of the horse. She moved
+us from place to place, and exhibited or hid us at her pleasure; but she
+was always so extremely careful of our health and looks, and her life
+seemed so entirely devoted to us and to our advantage, that I often
+doubted whether she was our property or we hers. Her habits varied so
+little from day to day, that after watching her for a reasonable time, I
+felt myself perfectly acquainted with _her_, and in a condition to make
+observations upon others of her race.
+
+One day a lady and a little girl stopped at our stall.
+
+'Oh, what a splendid doll,' exclaimed the child, pointing to the waxen
+beauty which outshone the rest of our tribe. It was the first time I had
+heard the word _Doll_, though I was well acquainted with the illustrious
+individual to whom it was applied; and it now flashed upon my mind, with
+pride and pleasure, that, however insignificant in comparison, I too was
+a doll. But I had not time to think very deeply about my name and nature
+just then, as I wished to listen to the conversation of the two human
+beings.
+
+'May I buy her?' said the little girl.
+
+'Can you afford it?' asked the lady in return. 'Remember your intentions
+for your brother.'
+
+'Perhaps I have money enough for both,' answered the child. 'How much
+does she cost?'
+
+'Seven shillings,' said the shopwoman, taking the doll from her place,
+and displaying her pretty face and hands to the utmost advantage.
+
+'I have three half-crowns,' said the little girl.
+
+'But if you spend seven shillings on the doll,' answered the lady, 'you
+will only have sixpence left for the paint-box.'
+
+'What does a paint-box cost?' asked the child.
+
+'We have them of all prices,' replied the shopkeeper; 'from sixpence to
+seven shillings.'
+
+The little girl examined several with great care, and stood some time in
+deliberation; at last she said, 'I don't think Willy would like a
+sixpenny one.'
+
+'It would be of no use to him,' answered the lady. 'He draws well enough
+to want better colors. If you gave it to him, he would thank you and try
+to seem pleased, but he would not really care for it. However, he does
+not know that you thought of making him a birthday present, so you are
+at liberty to spend your money as you like.'
+
+'Would he care for a seven shilling one?' asked the little girl.
+
+'Yes; that is exactly what he wants.'
+
+'Then he shall have it,' exclaimed the good-natured little sister. 'Poor
+dear Willy, how many more amusements I have than he!'
+
+She bought the best paint-box, and received sixpence in change.
+
+'Is there any thing else I can show you?' asked the shopkeeper.
+
+'No, thank you,' she replied; and turning to the elder lady, she said,
+'May we go home at once, Mama? It would take me a long time to choose
+what I shall spend my sixpence in, and I should like to give Willy his
+paint-box directly.'
+
+'By all means,' answered the lady; 'we will lose no time; and I will
+bring you again to spend the sixpence whenever you please.'
+
+Without one backward glance towards the beautiful doll, the child
+tripped away by the side of her companion, looking the brightest and
+happiest of her kind.
+
+I pondered long upon this circumstance; how long I cannot say, for dolls
+are unable to measure time, they can only date from any particularly
+striking epochs. For instance, we can say, 'Such an affair happened
+before I lost my leg;' or, 'Such an event took place before my new wig
+was put on;' but of the intricate divisions known to mortals by the
+names of hours, days, months, &c., we have no idea.
+
+However, I meditated on the kind little sister during what appeared to
+me a long but not tedious period, for I was gratified at gaining some
+insight into the qualities proper to distinguish the human race.
+Readiness to show kindness, and a preference of others' interests to her
+own, were virtues which I easily perceived in the little girl's
+conduct; but one thing perplexed me sadly. I could not understand why a
+doll would not have answered her kind intentions as well as a paint-box;
+why could she not have bought the doll which she admired so much, and
+have given _that_ to her brother.
+
+My thoughts were still engaged with this subject, when a boy approached
+the stall. Boys were new characters to me, and I was glad of the
+opportunity to observe one. He did not bestow a look on the dolls and
+other toys, but asked for a box of carpenter's tools. The shopkeeper
+dived into some hidden recess under the counter, and produced a
+clumsy-looking chest, the merits of which I could not discover; but the
+boy pronounced it to be 'just the thing,' and willingly paid down its
+price. I followed him with my eyes as he walked about with his great box
+under his arm, looking from side to side, till he caught sight of
+another boy rather younger than himself, advancing from an opposite
+corner.
+
+'Why, Geoffrey,' exclaimed my first friend, 'where have you been all
+this time? I have been hunting every where for you.'
+
+Geoffrey did not immediately answer, his mouth being, as I perceived,
+quite full. When at last he could open his lips, he said, 'Will you have
+a cheesecake?'
+
+'No, thank you,' replied his friend. 'We must go home to dinner so soon,
+that you will scarcely have time to choose your things. Where _have_ you
+been?'
+
+'At the pastrycook's stall,' answered Geoffrey; 'and I must go back
+again before I can buy any thing. I left my five shillings there to be
+changed.'
+
+The boys returned together to the stall, and I saw its mistress hand a
+small coin to Geoffrey.
+
+'Where is the rest?' said he.
+
+'That is your change, sir,' she replied.
+
+'Why, you don't mean that those two or three tarts and jellies cost four
+and sixpence!' he exclaimed, turning as red as the rosiest doll at my
+side.
+
+'I think you will find it correct, sir,' answered the shopkeeper. 'Two
+jellies, sixpence each, make one shilling; two custards, sixpence each,
+two shillings; a bottle of ginger-beer, threepence, two and threepence;
+one raspberry cream, sixpence, two and ninepence; three gooseberry
+tarts, threepence, three shillings; two strawberry tarts, three and
+twopence; two raspberry ditto, three and fourpence; four cheesecakes,
+three and eightpence; two Bath buns, four shillings; and one lemon ice,
+four and sixpence.'
+
+'What a bother!' said Geoffrey, as he pocketed the small remains of his
+fortune. 'I wish I could give her some of the tarts back again, for they
+weren't half so nice as they looked, except just the first one or two.'
+
+'Because you were only hungry for the first one or two,' said the other
+boy. 'But it can't be helped now; come and spend the sixpence better.'
+
+'There won't be any thing worth buying for sixpence,' said Geoffrey
+gloomily, as he shuffled in a lazy manner towards my stall.
+
+'I want a spade,' said he.
+
+Several were produced, but they cost two shillings or half-a-crown.
+There were little wooden spades for sixpence; but from those he turned
+with contempt, saying they were only fit for babies. Nothing at our
+table suited him, and he walked towards our opposite neighbour, who sold
+books, maps, &c. On his asking for a dissected map, all the countries of
+the world were speedily offered to his choice; but alas! the price was
+again the obstacle. The cheapest map was half-a-crown; and Geoffrey's
+sixpence would buy nothing but a childish puzzle of Old Mother Hubbard.
+Geoffrey said it was a great shame that every thing should be either
+dear or stupid.
+
+'Can't you lend me some money, Ned?' continued he.
+
+'I can't, indeed,' replied the other; 'mine all went in this box of
+tools. Suppose you don't spend the sixpence at all now, but keep it till
+you get some more.'
+
+'No, I won't do that; I hate saving my money.'
+
+So saying, he wandered from stall to stall, asking the price of every
+thing, as if his purse was as full as his stomach.
+
+'How much is that sailor kite?' 'Two shillings, sir.'--'How much is that
+bat?' 'Seven and sixpence.'--'How much is that wooden box with secret
+drawer?' 'Three shillings.'
+
+'How provoking!' he exclaimed. 'I want heaps of things, and this stupid
+sixpence is no good at all.'
+
+'It is better than nothing,' said Edward. 'It is not every day that
+one's aunt sends one five shillings, to spend in the bazaar; and in
+common times sixpence is not to be despised. After all, there are plenty
+of things it will buy. Do you want a top?'
+
+'No; I've got four.'
+
+'Garden seeds?'
+
+'What is the use of them, when I can't get a spade?'
+
+'Steel pens? You said this morning you could not write with quills.'
+
+'I don't like buying those kind of things with my own money.'
+
+'A box? Yesterday you wanted a box.'
+
+'I don't care for boxes that won't lock, and I can't get one with a lock
+and key for sixpence.'
+
+'A knife?'
+
+'Sixpenny knives have only one blade; I want two.'
+
+'Sealing-wax? wafers? a penholder? a paint-box? India-rubber? pencils?'
+
+'Stupid things!'
+
+'A ball? You might have a very good ball.'
+
+'Not a cricket ball; and I don't care for any other.'
+
+'What a particular fellow you are! I am sure I could always find
+something to spend sixpence in. String? One is always wanting string.
+You may have a good ball of whipcord.'
+
+'These sort of places don't sell it.'
+
+'Then, I say again, keep your money till you want it.'
+
+'No, that I'll never do, when I came on purpose to spend it. After all,
+the only thing I can think of,' continued Geoffrey, after a pause, 'is
+to go back to the pastrycook's. There was one kind of tart I did not
+taste, and perhaps it would be nicer than the others. I'll give you one
+if you like.'
+
+'No, thank you; I am much obliged to you all the same; but I won't help
+you to spend your money in that way. Don't buy any more tarts. Come and
+walk about; there are plenty more shops to look at.'
+
+They sauntered on, but Geoffrey, by various turns, worked his way back
+to the pastrycook's; and as no persuasions could then bring him away,
+Edward walked off, not choosing, as he said, to encourage him.
+
+Presently I saw a tall gentleman enter the bazaar, and I wondered what
+he would buy. I did not then understand the difference between grown-up
+people and children, and as he approached my stall, I could not repress
+a hope that he would buy _me_. But his quick eye glanced over the tables
+without resting on any of the toys.
+
+'Can I show you any thing, sir?' said my mistress.
+
+'No, I am much obliged to you,' he answered, with a pleasant smile. 'I
+am only in search of some young people who, I dare say, have been better
+customers than I. Ah, here they are,' he continued, as the two boys of
+whom I had taken so much notice ran up to him from different ends of the
+room.
+
+'Well, boys,' said he, 'what have you bought? Must we hire a wagon to
+carry your property home?'
+
+'Not quite,' answered Edward. 'I have bought a wagon-load of amusement,
+but I can carry it home well enough myself; I have spent all my money in
+this box of tools.'
+
+'A very sensible and useful purchase,' said the gentleman; 'they will
+give you plenty of pleasant employment. The only objection is, that they
+are likely to be lost or broken at school.'
+
+'I do not mean to take them to school, papa. I shall use them in the
+holidays, and leave them with Willy when I go back to school; that was
+one reason why I bought them. Willy could do a good deal of
+carpentering on his sofa.'
+
+[Illustration: Page 25.]
+
+'True, my boy, and a kind thought. They will be a great amusement to
+poor Willy, and he will take good care of them for you.'
+
+'Now, Geoffrey, how have you invested your capital? I hope you have
+found a strong spade. It is fine weather for gardening.'
+
+'No, I haven't,' stammered Geoffrey.
+
+'Well, what have you bought?'
+
+'I don't know,' said Geoffrey.
+
+'Do you mean that you have not spent your money yet? Make haste, then,
+for I can only allow you five minutes more. I expected to find you ready
+to go home. Be brisk; there is every thing on that stall that the heart
+of boy can wish,' said the gentleman, pointing to my abode.
+
+But Geoffrey did not move. 'I don't want any thing,' said he at last.
+
+'What a fortunate boy!' said the gentleman; but he presently added,
+'Have you lost your money?'
+
+'No.'
+
+'Show it to me.'
+
+Geoffrey slowly produced his sixpence, almost hidden in the palm of his
+hand.
+
+'Where is the rest?' asked the gentleman. 'Have you spent it?'
+
+'Yes.'
+
+'And nothing to show for it? Nothing?'--and the gentleman looked at the
+boy more narrowly. 'Nothing,' said he again, 'except a few crumbs of
+pie-crust on your waistcoat? Oh, Geoffrey!'
+
+There was a short silence, and the boy colored a good deal; at last he
+said, 'It was my own money.'
+
+'You will wish it was your own again before long, I dare say,' said the
+gentleman. 'However, we must hope you will be wiser in time. Come home
+now to dinner.'
+
+'I don't want any dinner,' said Geoffrey.
+
+'Probably not, but Edward and I do. We have not dined on tarts; and I
+dare say Ned is as hungry as I am.'
+
+So saying, he led the way towards the door, leaving me, as usual,
+pondering over what had passed. One word used by the gentleman made a
+great impression on me--USEFUL.
+
+What could that mean? Various considerations were suggested by the
+question. Some things, it seemed, were useful, others not; and what
+puzzled me most was, that the very same things appeared to be useful to
+some people, and not to others. For instance, the sixpenny paint-box,
+which had been rejected as useless to Willy, was bought soon afterwards
+by a small boy, who said it would be the most useful toy he had.
+
+Could this be the case with every thing? Was it possible that every
+thing properly applied might have its use, and that its value depended
+upon those who used it? If so, why was Geoffrey blamed for spending his
+money in tarts? _He_ liked them. Perhaps he had plenty of food at home,
+and that uselessness consisted in a thing's not being really wanted. I
+revolved the subject in my mind, and tried to discover the use of every
+thing I saw, but I was not always successful. The subject was
+perplexing; and gradually all my thoughts became fixed on the point of
+most importance to myself--namely, my own use.
+
+How changed were my ideas since the time when I imagined the world to
+belong to dolls! Their whole race now seemed to be of very small
+importance; and as for my individual self, I could not be sure that I
+had any use at all, and still less _what_, or _to whom_.
+
+Day after day I lay on my counter unnoticed, except by the shopwoman who
+covered us up at night, and re-arranged us in the morning; and even this
+she did with such an indifferent air, that I could not flatter myself I
+was of the smallest use to _her_. Every necessary care was bestowed upon
+me in common with my companions; but I sighed for the tender attentions
+that I sometimes saw lavished by children upon their dolls, and wished
+that my mistress would nurse and caress me in the same manner.
+
+She never seemed to think of such a thing. She once said I was dusty,
+and whisked a brush over my face; but that was the only separate mark of
+interest I ever received from her. I had no reasonable ground of
+complaint, but I began to grow weary of the insipidity of my life, and
+to ask myself whether this could be my only destiny. Was I never to be
+of use to any body? From time to time other toys were carried away. Many
+a giddy top and lively ball left my side in childish company, and
+disappeared through those mysterious gates by which the busy human race
+entered our calm seclusion.
+
+At last even dolls had their day. The beautiful waxen princess no longer
+graced our dominions. She was bought by an elderly lady for a birthday
+present to a little grand-daughter; and on the very same day the 'old
+familiar faces' of six dolls who had long shared my counter vanished
+from my sight, one after another being bought and carried away.
+
+I was sorry to lose them, though while we lived together we had had our
+little miffs and jealousies. I had sometimes thought that the one with
+the red shoes was always sticking out her toes; that she of the flaxen
+ringlets was ready to let every breath of wind blow them over her
+neighbours' faces; that another with long legs took up more room than
+her share, much to my inconvenience. But now that they were all gone,
+and I never could hope to see them again, I would gladly have squeezed
+myself into as small compass as the baby doll in the walnut-shell, in
+order to make room for them once more.
+
+One thing, however, was satisfactory: dolls certainly had their use.
+Seven had been bought, and therefore why not an eighth? I had been
+sinking almost into a state of despondency, but now my hopes revived and
+my spirits rose. My turn might come.
+
+And my turn did come. Every circumstance of that eventful day is deeply
+impressed on my memory. I was as usual employed in making remarks upon
+the passing crowd, and wondering what might be the use of every body I
+saw, when I perceived the lady and the little girl who had been almost
+my first acquaintances among the human race. As they approached my
+stall, I heard the mama say, 'Have you decided what to buy with the
+sixpence?'
+
+'Oh yes, quite,' answered the child; 'I am going to buy a _sixpenny
+doll_.'
+
+The words thrilled through me; her eyes seemed fixed on mine, and the
+sixpence was between her fingers. I imagined myself bought. But she
+continued: 'I think, if you don't mind the trouble, I should like to go
+round the bazaar first, to see which are the prettiest.'
+
+'By all means,' replied the lady; and they walked on, carrying all my
+hopes with them.
+
+I had often fancied myself the prettiest doll of my size in the place;
+but such conceit would not support me now. I felt that there were
+dozens, nay scores, who more than equalled me; and all discontented
+notions of my neglected merit now sunk before the dread that I had
+really no merit to neglect.
+
+I began also to have some idea of what was meant by time. My past life
+had glided away so imperceptibly, that I did not know whether it had
+been long or short; but I learnt to count every moment while those two
+mortals were walking round the bazaar.
+
+I strained my eyes to catch sight of them again; but when at last they
+re-appeared, I scarcely dared to look, for fear of seeing a doll in the
+child's hands. But no; her hands were empty, except for the sixpence
+still between her finger and thumb.
+
+They came nearer--they stopped at another stall; I could not hear what
+they said, but they turned away, and once more stood opposite to me. The
+child remained for some moments as silent as myself, and then exclaimed,
+'After all, Mama, I don't think there are any prettier dolls than these
+in the whole room.'
+
+'What do you say to this one, Miss?' said our proprietor, taking up a
+great full-dressed Dutch doll, and laying her on the top of those of my
+size and class, completely hiding the poor little victims under her
+stiff muslin and broad ribbons.
+
+But on the child's answering, 'No, thank you, I only want a sixpenny
+doll not dressed,' the Dutch giantess was removed, and we once more
+asserted our humble claims.
+
+'That seems to me a very pretty one,' said the mama, pointing to my next
+neighbour. The child for a moment hesitated, but presently exclaimed in
+a joyful tone, 'Oh no, _this_ is the beauty of all; this little darling
+with the real hair and blue ribbon in it; I will take this one, if you
+please.' And before I could be sure that she meant me, I was removed
+from my place, wrapped up in paper, and consigned to her hands. My
+long-cherished wishes were fulfilled, and I was bought. At first I could
+scarcely believe it. Notwithstanding all my planning and looking
+forward to this event, now that it really happened, I could not
+understand it. My senses seemed gone. What had so long occupied my mind
+was the work of a moment; but that moment was irrevocable, and my fate
+was decided. In my little mistress' hands I passed the boundaries of the
+world of toys, and entered upon a new state of existence.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+A very different life now opened before me. I had no longer any pretence
+for complaining of neglect. My young mistress devoted every spare moment
+to the enjoyment of my company, and set no limits to her caresses and
+compliments; while I in return regarded her with all the gratitude and
+affection which a doll can feel. My faculties as well as my feelings
+were called into fresh exercise; for though I had no longer the wide
+range of observation afforded by the daily crowd of strangers in the
+bazaar, I had the new advantage of making intimate acquaintance with a
+small circle of friends.
+
+Having hitherto been so completely without any position in the world, I
+could not at first help feeling rather shy at the idea of taking my
+place as member of a family; and it was therefore a relief to find that
+my lot was not cast amongst total strangers, but that I had already some
+slight clue to the characters of my future companions.
+
+My mistress, whose name was Rose, was sister to the Willy for whom she
+had bought the paint-box, and also to Edward, the purchaser of the
+tools. Geoffrey, the lover of tarts, was a cousin on a visit to them for
+the holidays; and they had also an elder sister named Margaret; besides
+their papa and mama, whom I had seen in the bazaar.
+
+The first of the family to whom I was introduced was Willy, and I soon
+became much interested in him. He was a pale thin boy, who spent the day
+on a sofa, to and from which he was carried in the morning and at night.
+In fine weather he went out in a wheel-chair; but he was unable to move,
+without help, and was obliged to endure many privations. Though he often
+looked suffering and weary, he was cheerful and patient, and always
+seemed pleased to hear other children describe enjoyments in which he
+could not share. Every body was fond of Willy, and anxious to amuse and
+comfort him. All that happened out of doors was told to him; all the
+kindest friends and pleasantest visitors came to see him; the new books
+were brought to him to read first; the best fruit and flowers always set
+apart for him; and all the in-door occupations arranged as much as
+possible with a view to his convenience. He and his little sister Rose
+were the dearest friends in the world, and certain to take part in
+whatever interested each other. As soon as Rose brought me home from the
+Pantheon, she ran up stairs with me to Willy, whom I then saw for the
+first time, sitting on the sofa with his feet up, and a table before
+him, on which stood several books, and my old acquaintances the
+paint-box and the chest of tools.
+
+'Look at this, Willy; is not this pretty?' exclaimed Rose, laying me
+down on his open book.
+
+Willy looked up with a pleasant smile: 'Very pretty,' he answered. 'I
+suppose she is to be the lady of the new house; and with Ned's tools, I
+hope to make some furniture worth her acceptance.'
+
+'Oh, thank you, Willy dear. And will you help me to choose a name for
+her? What do you think the prettiest name you know?'
+
+'_Rose_,' answered Willy, laughing; 'but I suppose that will not do. I
+dare say you want something very fine and out-of-the-way.'
+
+'As fine as can be,' replied Rose; 'I have been thinking of Seraphina or
+Wilhelmina: which do you like best?'
+
+'Call it Molly,' cried Edward, who just then entered the room; 'Molly
+and Betty are the best names: no nonsense in them.'
+
+'Call it Stupid Donkey,' mumbled a voice behind him; and Geoffrey
+advanced, his mouth as usual full of something besides words. 'Have any
+nuts, Willy?' he asked, holding out a handful.
+
+'No, thank you,' answered Willy; 'I must not eat them.'
+
+'I wouldn't be you, I know,' said Geoffrey, cracking one between his
+teeth; 'never let to eat any thing but what's wholesome, and always
+reading, or doing something stupid. I believe you are helping Rose to
+play with that doll now. Put it into the fire; that is the way to treat
+dolls. Stupid things. I hate 'em!'
+
+'Pray do not touch it, Geoffrey,' said Rose.
+
+'Leave it alone, Geff,' said Edward. 'You have your things, and Rose has
+hers. I don't see the fun of dolls myself, but she does, and nobody
+shall interfere with her while I am here to protect her. Just remember
+that, will you?'
+
+'The d-o-ll!' said Geoffrey, drawling the word, and making a face as if
+the pronouncing it turned him quite sick. 'Oh, the sweet doll! Perhaps
+you would like to stay and play with Rose, and Willy, and the d-o-ll,
+instead of coming out to cricket.'
+
+'Nonsense, you foolish fellow, you know better,' answered Edward. 'But I
+won't have Rose bullied; and what's more, I won't have Willy quizzed. I
+should like to see you or me pass such an examination as Willy could if
+he were at school. Why, he can learn as much in a day as we do in a
+week.'
+
+'Well, he is welcome to learn as much as he likes,' said Geoffrey; 'and
+let's you and I go and play. What stupid nuts these are! I've almost
+cracked one of my teeth with cracking them.'
+
+The boys ran off; and presently there came into the room the papa and
+mama, whom I already knew, and a young lady very like Rose, but older. I
+found she was Margaret, the eldest sister. They inquired whether Willy
+wanted any thing before they went out; and Margaret fetched a drawing
+that he wished to copy, while his father and mother wheeled his sofa and
+table nearer the window, that he might have more light. When he was made
+quite comfortable, they told Rose that she might stay and take care of
+him till they returned; and she said she would bring her box of scraps
+and begin dressing me. Then I came in for my share of notice, and had
+every reason to be satisfied with the praises bestowed on me. The mama
+said that I deserved very neatly-made clothes; the papa, that my hair
+would be a pattern for Margaret's; and Margaret said I was charming, and
+that she would make me a pink satin gown.
+
+They admired the name _Seraphina_, though the papa suggested various
+others which he thought might suit Rose's taste,--Sophonisba, Cleopatra,
+Araminta, Dulcinea, Ethelinda, &c.; but as she remained steady to her
+first choice, the LADY SERAPHINA was decided to be thenceforth my name
+and title.
+
+And now began the real business of my life. I was no longer doomed to
+fret at being of no use, for the object of my existence was plain
+enough, namely, to give innocent recreation to my young mistress when
+at leisure from her more serious employments. Every day she spent some
+hours in study with her mother or sister; and she would fly to me for
+relief between her lessons, and return to them with more vigor after
+passing a little time in my refreshing company. She often showed her
+tasks to me, and discussed their difficulties. I think she repeated the
+multiplication-table to me nearly a hundred times, while I sat on the
+_Tutor's Assistant_ waiting for the recurrence of the fatal words,
+'Seven times nine.' Day after day she could get no farther; but as soon
+as she came to 'Seven times nine,' I was turned off the book, which had
+to be consulted for the answer.
+
+At last, one day she came running into the room in great glee,
+exclaiming, 'I have done the multiplication-table. I have said it quite
+right, sixty-three and all. I made no mistake even in dodging. And _you_
+helped me, my darling Lady Seraphina. I never could have learned it
+perfect if you had not heard me say it so often. And now, look at your
+rewards. Margaret has made you a bonnet, and Willy has made you an
+arm-chair.'
+
+Beautiful, indeed, was the bonnet, and commodious the arm-chair; and I
+wore the one and reclined in the other all the time Rose was learning
+the French auxiliary verbs _être_ and _avoir_. I flattered myself I was
+of as much use in them as in the multiplication-table; but I do not
+recollect receiving any particular recompense. Indeed, after a little
+time, it would have been difficult to know what to give me, for I
+possessed every thing that a doll's heart could wish, or her head
+imagine. Such a variety of elegant dresses as Rose made for me would
+have been the envy of all my old friends in the bazaar. I had gowns of
+pink satin and white satin; blue silk and yellow silk; colored muslins
+without number, and splendid white lace. Bonnets enough to furnish a
+milliner's shop were mine; but I was not so partial to them as to my
+gowns, because they tumbled my hair.
+
+I believe a good many of my possessions were presents from Margaret to
+Rose on account of perfect lessons; but in course of time, I ceased to
+superintend Rose's studies. Margaret said that I interrupted the course
+of history; and the mama said that Rose was old enough to learn her
+lessons without bringing her play into them, and that I must be put away
+during school hours.
+
+Though I did not think that the fault was altogether mine, I quite
+acquiesced in the wisdom of this decree; for during Rose's last
+reading-lesson she had stopped so often to ask me which I liked best,
+Lycurgus or Solon, Pericles or Alcibiades, &c., that Margaret was almost
+out of patience. And though I made no answer, and had really no choice
+at all between the characters, I felt that I rather hindered business.
+
+I was therefore now left to myself for several hours in the morning; but
+I found ample and pleasant employment in surveying the comforts and
+beauties of my habitation. For I was not forced to perform the part of
+an insignificant pigmy in the vast abodes of the colossal race of man: I
+possessed a beautiful little house proportioned to my size, pleasantly
+situated on a table in the furthest corner of the schoolroom, and
+commanding an extensive view of the whole apartment.
+
+I must describe my house at full length. It had been originally, as I
+heard, a mere rough packing-case; but what of that? The best brick house
+in London was once but clay in the fields; and my packing-case was now
+painted outside and papered inside, and fitted up in a manner every way
+suitable for the occupation of a doll of distinction.
+
+My drawing-room was charming; light and cheerful, the walls papered with
+white and gold, and the floor covered with a drab carpet worked with
+flowers of every hue. Rose worked the carpet herself under the
+directions of Margaret, who prevailed on her to learn worsted-work for
+my sake. So there, again, how useful I was! From the ceiling hung a
+brilliant glass chandelier, a birthday present from Edward to Rose; and
+the mantel-piece was adorned by a splendid mirror cut out of a broken
+looking-glass by Willy, and framed by his hands. I cannot say that Willy
+ever seemed to care for me personally, but he took considerable interest
+in my upholstery, and much of my handsomest furniture was manufactured
+by him. He made my dining-room and drawing-room tables; the frames of my
+chairs, which were covered with silk by Margaret; my sofa, and my
+four-post bedstead; and it was he who painted the floor-cloth in my
+hall, and the capital picture of the Queen and Prince Albert which hung
+over the dining-room chimney-piece. I had a snug bed-room, containing a
+bed with pink curtains, a toilette-table, with a handsome looking-glass,
+pincushion, and rather large brush and comb; a washing-stand,
+towel-horse, chest of drawers, and wardrobe. But the last two, I must
+confess, were rather for show than for use. They were French-polished,
+and in appearance convenient as well as handsome, but in reality too
+small to hold my clothes. A few minor articles of dress were kept in
+them; but the mass of my gorgeous attire was always in larger boxes and
+trunks belonging to my mistress; her work-box, for instance, and at one
+time her desk; but her mama turned all my gowns out of the latter when
+she banished me from the lessons, and desired that, for the future, only
+writing materials should be kept in it. 'Every thing in its proper
+place, Rose,' I heard her say. 'You have plenty of little boxes for
+doll's clothes; and your doll ought to teach you to be more tidy instead
+of less so.'
+
+My dining-room was well adapted for all the purposes of hospitality,
+being furnished with a substantial dining-table, chairs, and a
+sideboard, on which there always stood two trays, one filled with
+decanters and wine-glasses, and the other with knives and forks.
+
+My kitchen was resplendent with saucepans, kettles, pots and pans, and
+plates and dishes, ranged upon the dresser, or hung from the walls. A
+joint of meat was always roasting before the fire, and a cook of my own
+race appeared to spend her life in basting it, for I never failed to
+find her thus employed when Rose was so kind as to take me into my
+kitchen. There was also a footman, who sat for ever in the hall; and I
+was inclined to consider him rather wanting in respect, till I
+discovered that, owing to a broken leg, he was unable to stand. I did
+not quite comprehend the use of my servants, as Rose herself did all the
+work of my house; but she said they were indispensable, and that if it
+were not for want of room, I should have a great many more.
+
+Besides all these arrangements for my comfort in-doors, I possessed a
+beautiful open phaeton, emblazoned with the royal arms of England, and
+drawn by four piebald horses with long tails, so spirited that they
+never left off prancing. Every day, after school-time, Rose brought
+this equipage to my door; and the four horses stood with their eight
+front feet in the air while I was dressed for my drive. Then, attired in
+my last new bonnet and cloak, I sat in state in my carriage, and was
+drawn round and round the room by Rose, till she said I was tired. She
+made many attempts to persuade the lame footman to stand on the
+footboard behind, but she never could manage it. He was a very helpless
+creature; and I am not quite certain that he even did his best, little
+as that might be. The first time Rose set him up behind the carriage, he
+tumbled head over heels into the middle of it, and stood there on his
+head till she picked him out again. Then he fell off behind, then on one
+side, and then on the other, till she was quite tired of his foolish
+tricks, and left him to sit quietly and stupidly in his old place in the
+hall.
+
+I lived in great comfort in my pleasant house, and being of a cheerful,
+contented temper, never felt lonely, although left to myself during
+great part of the day; for Rose was very obedient to her Mama's orders,
+and even if now and then tempted to forget the regulation herself, Willy
+was always at hand to remind her, and help to fix her attention on her
+business. But when it was all over, she flew to me with redoubled
+pleasure.
+
+One day she said to me, 'My dear Seraphina, I am afraid you must be very
+dull, alone all the morning.' I longed to assure her of the contrary;
+but not having the gift of speech, I could only listen submissively
+while she continued: 'It is a pity that you should sit doing nothing and
+wasting your time; so I have brought you some books, which you are to
+read while I am at my lessons; and I shall expect you to learn just as
+much as I do.'
+
+So saying, she seated me on my sofa, and placing a table with the books
+before me, 'Look,' continued she, 'I have made them for you myself, and
+covered them with these pretty red and green papers. This is your
+English History, and this is your French Grammar; and here is a
+Geography Book, and here is a History of Rome. Now read attentively, and
+do not let your thoughts wander; and be very careful not to dogs-ear the
+leaves: that always looks like a dunce. And mind you sit upright,' added
+she, looking back, as she left the room in obedience to a summons from
+her sister.
+
+I obeyed to the best of my power. To be sure, I did not know which was
+geography and which was grammar; and English and Roman history were both
+alike to me. But I did as I was bid. I sat upright in the place
+appointed me, staring as hard as I could at the open pages; and my worst
+enemy could not accuse me of dogs-earing a single leaf.
+
+When my mistress returned, she pleased me much by calling me a very good
+girl, and saying that if I continued to take so much pains, I could not
+fail to improve. On hearing this, Willy laughed, and said he hoped that
+that was a duplicate of Margaret's last speech; and Rose looked very
+happy, and answered that not only Margaret, but Mama had said the same.
+
+This was not my only duplicate of Rose's adventures. My education
+appeared to be conducted precisely on the same plan as her own. Before
+long, she brought a little pianoforte and set it up in my drawing-room.
+I thought it rather hid the pretty paper, but it was a handsome piece of
+furniture.
+
+'Now, Lady Seraphina,' said Rose, 'I am obliged to practise for an hour
+every day, and you must do the same. See what a pretty piano I have
+given you. You need not mind its being meant for a housewife and
+pincushion; the notes are marked, and that is all you want. Now practise
+your scales, and be very careful to play right notes and count your
+time.'
+
+I sat at my piano with all due diligence, but I am sorry to say that my
+progress did not seem satisfactory. One day Rose said that she was sure
+I had forgotten to count; and another day, that I hurried the easy bars
+and slackened the difficult ones; then she accused me of not caring
+whether I played right notes or wrong, and torturing her ear by my false
+chords; then I banged the notes till I broke the strings: in short,
+there was no end to her complaints, till at last she wound them all up
+by declaring that both she and I hated music, and that if Mama and
+Margaret would take her advice, we should both leave it off.
+
+But still I practised regularly, and so, I suppose, did Rose; and
+gradually her reproaches diminished, and she grew more contented with
+me; and we both persevered, till she said that really, after all, I
+seemed to have a good ear, and to be likely to make a very respectable
+player.
+
+'But you know it all depends upon yourself, Seraphina; your present
+improvement is the result of pains and practice. Pains and practice will
+do any thing.'
+
+It was fortunate for me that I had so careful a superintendent as Rose;
+for unless she had kept a constant watch over me, there is no saying
+how many awkward habits I might unconsciously have contracted. But she
+cured me of poking my head forward, of standing on one leg, of tilting
+my chair, of meddling with things that were not my own, of leaning
+against the furniture while I was speaking, of putting my elbows on the
+table, of biting my nails, of spilling my tea, and of making crumbs on
+the floor.
+
+I cannot say I was myself aware either of the faults or their cure; but
+I think one seldom does notice one's own faults, and therefore it is a
+great advantage to have kind friends who will point them out to us. I
+believed Rose when she told me of mine; so I had a right to believe her
+when she gave me the agreeable assurance of their cure, and to indulge
+the hope that I was becoming a pleasing, well-bred little doll.
+
+On one mortifying occasion, however, I must own that Rose's anxiety for
+my always following in her steps was the cause of a serious injury to
+me. She remarked that I had got into a horrid way of kicking off my
+shoes while I was learning my poetry; and she thought the best cure
+would be to make me wear sandals. I observed that she was sewing sandals
+to her own shoes at the time, and she consulted Willy about some means
+of doing the same by mine. Willy held me head downwards, and examined my
+feet. My shoes were painted, therefore sewing was out of the question.
+He advised glue. This was tried, but it came through the thin narrow
+ribbon of which my sandals were to be made, and looked very dirty. They
+were taken off; but the operation had spoilt the delicacy of my white
+stockings, and Rose said it was impossible to let me go such an untidy
+figure; we must try some other way. She asked Willy to lend her a
+gimlet, that she might bore holes at the sides of my feet, and glue the
+ribbon into them, so as not to show the glue. Willy said she was welcome
+to the gimlet, but that he advised her to leave it alone, for that she
+would only break my feet. But Rose would not be dissuaded, and began
+boring.
+
+It was on this occasion that I most peculiarly felt the advantage of
+that insensibility to pain which distinguishes my race. What mortal
+could have borne such an infliction without struggling and screaming? I,
+on the contrary, took it all in good part, and showed no signs of
+feeling even at the fatal moment when my foot snapped in two, and Rose,
+with a face of utter dismay, held up my own toes before my eyes.
+
+'Oh, my poor Seraphina!' she exclaimed, 'what shall we do?'
+
+'Glue it on again,' said Willy. 'You had better have taken my advice at
+first, but now you must make the best of it. Glue is your only friend.'
+
+So Rose glued the halves of my foot together, lamenting over me, and
+blaming herself so much all the time, that it seemed rather a comfort to
+her when Margaret, coming into the room, agreed with her that she had
+been foolish and awkward. Margaret said that ribbon might have been tied
+over my feet from the first, without using glue or gimlet either; and
+Rose called herself more stupid than ever, for not having thought of
+such an easy contrivance.
+
+My foot was glued, and for the purpose of standing, answered as well as
+ever; and Rose sewed me up in a pair of blue silk boots, and declared
+that I was prettier than before; and my misfortune was soon forgotten by
+every body but myself. I, however, could not but feel a misgiving that
+this was the first warning of my share in the invariable fate of my
+race. For I had already lived long enough to be aware that the existence
+of a doll, like that of every thing else, has its limits. Either by
+sudden accidents, such as loss of limbs, or by the daily wear and tear
+of life, decay gradually makes its progress in us, and we fade away as
+surely as the most delicate of the fragile race of mortals.
+
+Though the fracture of my foot was my own first misfortune, I had had
+opportunities of remarking the casualties to which dolls are liable. For
+it is not to be supposed that our devotion to human beings precludes us
+from cultivating the society of our own species. Dolls will be dolls;
+and they have a natural sympathy with each other, notwithstanding the
+companionship of the race of man. Most little girls are aware of this
+fact, and provide suitable society for their dolls. I myself had a large
+circle of silent acquaintances, to whom I was introduced by Rose's
+kindness and consideration. When other little girls came to drink tea
+with her, they often brought their dolls to spend the evening with me;
+and among them I had more than once the pleasure of recognising an old
+friend from the bazaar.
+
+Then I was in my glory. There was a constant supply of provisions in my
+larder; and at a moment's notice Rose would produce an excellent dinner,
+all ready cooked, and dished in a beautiful little china dinner-service.
+Willy compared her to the genius of Aladdin's lamp; and though I did not
+know what that might mean, I quite understood the advantage of being
+able to set such a banquet before my friends. I could always command
+salmon, a pair of soles, a leg of mutton, a leg of pork, a turkey, a
+pair of boiled fowls, a ham, a sucking pig, a hare, a loaf of bread, a
+fine Cheshire cheese, several pies, and a great variety of fruit, which
+was always ripe and in season, winter or summer. Rose's papa once
+observed that his hothouse produced none so fine; for the currants were
+as large as apples, and two cherries filled a dish.
+
+Rose and her companions performed the active duties of waiting at table
+on these occasions; but the lame footman was generally brought out of
+the hall, and propped up against the sideboard, where he stood looking
+respectable but awkward.
+
+At these pleasant parties I saw a great range of characters, for Rose's
+young visitors were various in their tastes, and their dolls used to be
+dressed in every known costume. Besides plenty of pretty English
+damsels, I was introduced now to a Turkish sultana, now to a Swiss
+peasant; one day to a captain in the British army, another day to an
+Indian rajah. One young lady liked to make her dolls personate
+celebrated characters; and when she visited us, most distinguished
+guests graced my table. I have had the honor of receiving the Queen and
+Prince Albert themselves; the Duke of Wellington, Sir Walter Scott, and
+Miss Edgeworth, have all dined with me on the same day, and Robinson
+Crusoe came in the evening.
+
+But it was at these social meetings that I became most fully aware of
+the liability of dolls to loss of limbs. I never remember giving a party
+at which the guests could boast of possessing all their legs and arms.
+Many an ingenious contrivance hid or supplied the deficiencies, and we
+were happy in spite of our losses; still, such was the case: and I saw
+that dolls, however beloved and respected, could not last for ever.
+
+For some time after my accident I had no particular adventures. I lived
+in peace and plenty, and amused myself with watching the family. They
+were all amiable and easy to understand, except Geoffrey; but he was a
+complete puzzle to me, and it was long before I could make out why he
+was so different from the rest.
+
+The others all seemed to like to help and please one another, but
+Geoffrey never seemed happy unless he was making himself disagreeable.
+If Willy was interested in a book, he was obliged to sit upon the second
+volume, or Geoffrey would be sure to run away with it. If Edward was in
+a hurry to go out, Geoffrey would hide his cap, and keep him a quarter
+of an hour hunting for it. The girls dared not leave their worsted-work
+within his reach for a moment; for he would unravel the canvass, or chop
+up the wool, or go on with the work after a pattern of his own
+composing, so that they would be obliged to spend half an hour in
+unpicking his cobbling.
+
+Margaret remonstrated with him in private, and made excuses for him in
+public, and did her best to prevent his tiresome tricks from annoying
+Willy; Edward tried rougher means of keeping him in order, which
+sometimes succeeded; but still he could find plenty of opportunities of
+being a torment: people always can when such is their taste.
+
+One day Margaret was keeping Willy company, while the rest of the party
+were gone to the Zoological Gardens. She had brought a drawing to
+finish, as he liked to see her draw, and was sometimes useful in
+suggesting improvements. But while they were thus employed, Margaret was
+summoned to some visitors, and went away, saying that her drawing would
+just have time to dry before she returned.
+
+But unfortunately, during her absence, Geoffrey came home. He had grown
+tired of the Gardens, which he had seen very often, and rather hungry,
+as he generally was; so after amusing himself by eating the cakes he had
+bought for the bear, he had nothing more to do, and tried to persuade
+his cousins to be tired also. But Edward was making himself agreeable to
+the monkeys, Rose was cultivating the friendship of the elephant, and
+their Papa and Mama were waiting to see the hippopotamus bathe; so that
+Geoffrey's proposals of leaving the Gardens were scouted, and he could
+only obtain leave from his uncle to go home by himself.
+
+He entered the room, as usual, with his mouth full, having spent his
+last penny in a piece of cocoanut as he came along the streets. While
+the cocoanut lasted, he was employed to his satisfaction; but when that
+was finished, he was again at a loss for something to do. He tried
+walking round the room on one leg, working heel and toe, and that
+succeeded very well, and did no harm till he unluckily came to the
+drawing-table, when he immediately brought himself to a stand on both
+feet.
+
+'Hallo!' cried he, 'here's a daub! Is this your splendid performance,
+Will?'
+
+'No,' replied Willy, 'it is Margaret's; and mind you don't touch it by
+accident, because it is wet.'
+
+'Touch it by accident!' exclaimed Geoffrey; 'I am going to touch it on
+purpose. I wonder Margaret is not ashamed to do it so badly. I'll
+improve it for her. How kind of me!'
+
+Poor Willy, in dismay, tried to secure the drawing, but he could not
+move from his sofa, and Geoffrey danced round him, holding it at
+arm's-length. Then Willy caught at the bell-rope, but his mischievous
+cousin snatched it quicker, and tied it up out of his reach. Willy
+called all the servants as loud as he could, but no one was within
+hearing; and he threw himself back on his sofa, in despair, exclaiming,
+'How can you be so ill-natured, when Margaret is always so kind to you?'
+
+'Ill-natured!' answered the other; 'I'm doing her a favor. She admired
+the moonlight in the Diorama; now I shall make just such a moon in her
+drawing.' And while he spoke, a great yellow moon, like a guinea, rose
+in the midst of poor Margaret's brilliant sunset.
+
+'That's the thing,' said Geoffrey; 'and now I shall put the cow jumping
+over it, and the little dog laughing to see such sport. Some figures
+always improve the foreground.'
+
+'Oh, you have quite spoilt it!' cried Willy. 'How I wish I could stop
+you! I cannot imagine how you can like to be so mischievous and
+disagreeable. Oh, if Margaret would but come back.'
+
+At last Margaret came, and the troublesome Geoffrey expected great
+amusement from her displeasure; but he was disappointed. Margaret was
+one of those generous people who never resent an injury done to
+themselves. If Geoffrey had spoilt any body else's drawing, she would
+have been the first to punish him; but now she was much more vexed at
+Willy's distress than at the destruction of her own work, and instead of
+scolding Geoffrey, she gave herself up to consoling Willy. She assured
+him that there was no great harm done. She said the drawing was good for
+very little, and that she would copy it and improve it so much that he
+should be quite glad of the disaster; and she made a present of the
+spoilt drawing to Geoffrey, telling him she was sure he would one day
+be ashamed of so foolish a performance, but that meanwhile he might keep
+it as a specimen of his taste. He had not the manners to apologize, but
+he looked very silly and crest-fallen, and left the room in silence,
+with the drawing in his hand.
+
+When he was gone, Willy exclaimed, 'If it were not for losing Edward, I
+should wish the holidays were over; Geoffrey is so disagreeable.'
+
+'He is very thoughtless,' Margaret replied; 'but we must not be too hard
+upon him. Let us recollect that he has no parents to teach him better,
+nor brothers and sisters to call forth his consideration for others.
+Poor Geoffrey has had neither example nor precept till now. But now Papa
+and Mama give him good precepts; and if we try to set him good examples,
+perhaps we may help him to improve.'
+
+'Well, I'll hope for the best, and do what I can,' said Willy.
+'Certainly he has some good qualities. He is as brave as a lion; and he
+is good-natured about giving away his own things, though he is so
+mischievous with other people's.'
+
+'And he is clever in his way, notwithstanding his idleness,' added
+Margaret. 'Those foolish figures that he put into my drawing were
+uncommonly well done, though they were provoking to us.'
+
+'You are the best girl in the world,' said Willy; 'and if you think
+Geoffrey will improve, I'll think so too; but you must own there is room
+for it.'
+
+Perhaps Geoffrey did improve, but it seemed slow work, faults being more
+easily acquired than cured; and for a long time I could perceive no
+difference in him. Indeed, as his next piece of mischief concerned
+myself, I thought him worse than ever.
+
+I have often wondered at the extreme dislike which boys have to dolls. I
+was the most inoffensive creature possible, giving myself no airs, and
+interfering with nobody; yet even the gentle Willy was indifferent to
+me. Edward, though he protected Rose in her patronage of me, despised
+me thoroughly himself; and Geoffrey never lost an opportunity of
+expressing his mortal hatred to me. I shrunk from Edward's contemptuous
+notice, but I was not at all afraid of him, well knowing that neither he
+nor Willy would hurt a hair of my head; but whenever Geoffrey came into
+the room, terror seized my mind. He never passed my house without making
+all kinds of ugly faces at me; and I felt instinctively that nothing but
+the presence of the other boys restrained him from doing me any harm in
+his power.
+
+I had hitherto never been alone with him, but at last the fatal moment
+arrived. One fine afternoon, Willy went out for a drive in his
+wheel-chair, Edward insisting upon drawing it himself, and the two girls
+walking on each side. Geoffrey accompanied them, intending to walk with
+them part of the way, and to go on by himself when he was tired of the
+slow pace of the chair. All seemed safe, and I hoped to enjoy a few
+hours of uninterrupted leisure. I always liked having my time to
+myself; and as Rose had set me no lessons, I reposed comfortably in my
+arm-chair by a blazing fire of black and red cloth, from the glare of
+which I was sheltered by a screen. My dog sat at my side, my cat lay at
+my feet, and I was as happy as a doll could be.
+
+Suddenly the silence was broken by a sound as of a turkey gabbling in
+the hall; presently this changed to a duck quacking on the stairs; then
+a cock crew on the landing-place, and a goose hissed close to the
+schoolroom door. I guessed but too well what these ominous sounds
+portended, and my heart sunk within me as the door burst open, and my
+dreaded enemy banged into the room.
+
+'Why, they are not come home yet!' exclaimed he; 'so my talents have
+been wasted. I meant to have made them bid me not make every different
+noise. When they said, "Don't hiss," I would have crowed; and when they
+said, "Don't crow," I would have quacked, or barked, or bellowed, or
+mewed, till I had gone through all the noises I know. Now I have
+nothing to do.'
+
+He walked to the window and looked out.
+
+'What a stupid street it is!' said he. 'If my uncle had not taken away
+my squirt, I would squirt at the people.'
+
+Then he yawned, and sauntered to the bookcase. 'What stupid books! I
+wonder any body can write them. I wish Edward had left his tools out; I
+should like to plane the top of the shelf. How stupid it is having
+nothing to do!'
+
+As he spoke, I shuddered to see him approaching my end of the room. He
+came nearer; he made a full stop in front of me, and looked me in the
+face.
+
+'You stupid, ugly thing,' he exclaimed, 'don't stare so. I hate to have
+a doll's eyes goggling at me.'
+
+Gladly would I have withdrawn my eyes, if possible. But they had been
+painted wide open, and what could I do? I never was so ashamed of them
+in my life; but I had no control over them, so I stared on, and he grew
+more indignant.
+
+'If you don't leave off,' he cried, 'I'll poke out your eyes, as I did
+those of the ugly picture in my room. I won't be stared at.'
+
+I longed for the gift of speech to represent to him, that if he would
+but leave off looking at me, I should give him no offence; but alas, I
+was silent, and could only stare as hard as ever.
+
+'Oh, you will, will you?' said he 'then I know what I'll do: I'll hang
+you.'
+
+In vain I hoped for the return of the rest of the party. I listened
+anxiously for every sound, but no friendly step or voice was near, and I
+was completely in his power.
+
+He began rummaging his pockets, grinning and making faces at me all the
+time. Presently he drew forth a long piece of string, extremely dirty,
+looking as if it had been trailed in the mud.
+
+'Now for it,' he exclaimed; 'now you shall receive the reward of all
+your stupidity and affectation. I do think dolls are the most affected
+creatures on the face of the earth.'
+
+He laid hold of me by my head, pushing my wig on one side. Alas for my
+beautiful hair, it was disarranged for ever! But that was a trifle
+compared with what followed. He tied one end of his muddy string round
+my neck, drawing it so tight that I foresaw I should be marked for life,
+and hung the other end to a nail in the wall.
+
+There I dangled, while he laughed and quizzed me, adding insult to
+injury. He twisted the string as tight as possible, and then let it
+whirl round and round till it was all untwisted again. I banged against
+the wall as I spun like a top, and wished that I could sleep like a top
+too. But I was wide awake to my misfortunes; and each interval of
+stillness, when the string was untwisted, only enhanced them, by showing
+in painful contrast the happy home whence I had been torn. For I was
+hung on the wall directly opposite my own house; and from my wretched
+nail I could distinguish every room in it. Between my twirls I saw my
+pretty drawing-room, with its comfortable arm-chair now vacant; and my
+convenient kitchen, with my respectable cook peacefully basting her
+perpetual mutton; I envied even my lame footman quietly seated in his
+chimney-corner, and felt that I had never truly valued the advantages of
+my home till now. Would they ever be restored to me? Should I once again
+be under the protection of my kind and gentle mistress, or was I
+Geoffrey's slave for ever?
+
+[Illustration: Page 72]
+
+These melancholy thoughts were interrupted by a step on the stairs.
+'Hallo!' cried Geoffrey, 'who would have thought of their coming home
+just now?' and he was going to lift me down from my nail; but when the
+door opened, the housemaid came in alone, and he changed his mind.
+
+'Why, Master Geoffrey,' said she, 'what are you doing here all alone?
+Some mischief, I'll be bound.'
+
+'Bow, wow, wow,' answered he, dancing and playing all sorts of antics to
+prevent her seeing me.
+
+'Come,' said she, 'those tricks won't go down with me. The more lively
+you are, the more I know you've been after something you ought to have
+let alone.'
+
+'Hee haw, hee haw,' said Geoffrey, twitching her gown, and braying like
+a donkey.
+
+'Well, you're speaking in your own voice at last,' said she, laughing.
+'But let go of my gown, if you please; you are big enough to walk by
+yourself, and I want to set the room to rights. There's some young
+ladies coming to tea with Miss Rose.'
+
+She bustled about, dusting and putting every thing in order, and talking
+all the time, partly to Geoffrey and partly to herself, about the blacks
+that came in at the windows, and made a place want dusting a dozen times
+a day, when her eye fell on my unfortunate figure, which my persecutor
+had just set swinging like the pendulum of a clock. I was a deplorable
+object. He had forced me into the most awkward attitude he could invent.
+My arms were turned round in their sockets, one stretched towards the
+ceiling, the other at full length on one side. I was forced to kick one
+leg out in front, and the other behind; and my knees were bent up the
+wrong way. My wig had fallen off altogether from my head, and was now
+perched upon my toe. I was still swinging, when Sarah caught sight of
+me. She looked at me for a moment, and then turned round, opening her
+eyes at Geoffrey much wider than I had ever done.
+
+'Why, you audacious, aggravating boy!' she exclaimed, making a dash at
+him with her duster; but he ran away laughing, and she was obliged to
+finish her speech to herself.
+
+'To think of his being so mischievous and ill-natured! What will poor
+Miss Rose say! To be sure, there is nothing boys won't do; their equals
+for perverseness don't walk the earth. Though I ought not to speak
+against them, while there's Master William and Master Edward to
+contradict me. They are boys, to be sure; but as for that Geoffrey!' And
+here she shook her head in silence, as if Geoffrey's delinquencies were
+beyond the power of words to express.
+
+She then released me; and after restoring my limbs to their proper
+position, and smoothing my discomposed dress, she laid me gently on my
+bed, and placed my wig on my pillow beside me, with many kind
+expressions of pity and good-will.
+
+Repose was indeed needful after so agitating an adventure; and I was
+glad to be left quiet till the young people came in from their walk. I
+composed my ruffled spirits as well as I could; but I found it
+impossible not to be nervous at the idea of Rose's first seeing me in
+such a plight, and I anxiously awaited her return. They came in at last,
+Rose, Willy, and Margaret; and after establishing Willy on his sofa,
+Rose's next care was to visit me. 'O Willy! O Margaret!' she exclaimed,
+and burst into tears.
+
+'What is the matter, my darling?' asked Margaret.
+
+Rose could not answer; but Sarah was there to tell the story, and do
+ample justice to my wrongs. Yet I could not help observing, in the midst
+of all her indignation, the difference of her manner towards her
+present hearers and towards Geoffrey. She never seemed on familiar terms
+with Willy, much less with Margaret or Rose. She neither cut jokes nor
+used rough language to them, but treated them with the respect due to
+her master's children; though, as I well knew, she was extremely fond of
+them, and disliked Geoffrey, in spite of her familiarity with him.
+
+I saw Geoffrey no more that day. Rose's young friends soon arrived, and
+consoled both her and me by their kind sympathy and attentions. One made
+an elegant cap to supply the loss of my wig; another strung a blue
+necklace to hide the black mark round my throat; Rose herself put me to
+bed, and placed a table by my bedside covered with teacups, each, she
+told me, containing a different medicine; and the young lady who had
+once brought Miss Edgeworth to dine with me, charged me to lie still and
+read 'Rosamond' till I was quite recovered.
+
+Next morning, as I lay contentedly performing my new part of an invalid,
+I heard a confidential conversation between Margaret and Geoffrey, in
+which I was interested.
+
+They were alone together, and she was taking the opportunity to
+remonstrate with him on his unkind treatment of me.
+
+'What was the harm?' said Geoffrey. 'A doll is nothing but wood or bran,
+or some stupid stuff; it can't feel.'
+
+'Of course,' answered Margaret, 'we all know _that_. It is wasteful and
+mischievous to spoil a pretty toy; but I am not speaking now so much for
+the sake of the doll as of Rose. Rose is not made of any stupid stuff;
+_she_ can feel. And what is more, she can feel for other people as well
+as herself. She would never play you such an ill-natured trick.'
+
+'I should not mind it if she did,' argued Geoffrey; 'I am not such a
+baby.'
+
+'You would not mind that particular thing,' answered Margaret, 'because
+you do not care about dolls; but you would mind her interfering with
+_your_ pleasures, or injuring your property. You would think it very
+ill-natured, for instance, if she threw away that heap of nuts which
+you have hoarded like a squirrel on your shelf of the closet.'
+
+'Nuts are not nonsense like dolls,' said he. 'Besides, she may have as
+many of mine as she likes. I tried to make her eat some yesterday.'
+
+'Yes, and half choked her by poking them into her mouth, when she told
+you she did not want them. She cares no more for nuts than you for
+dolls. You would think it no kindness if she teazed you to nurse her
+doll.'
+
+'I should think not, indeed,' answered Geoffrey, indignant at the very
+idea.
+
+'Of course not. Kindness is not shown by forcing our own pleasures down
+other people's throats, but by trying to promote theirs. That is really
+doing as we would be done by.'
+
+'But doing as we would be done by is one's _duty_,' said Geoffrey.
+
+'I fear it is a duty of which you seldom think,' replied his cousin.
+
+'Why, one can't be thinking of _duty_ in those kind of things,' answered
+he.
+
+'Why not?' asked Margaret.
+
+'Because they are such trifles; duties are great things.'
+
+'What sort of things do you consider to be duties?' Margaret inquired.
+
+'Oh, such things as letting oneself be tortured, like Regulus; or
+forgiving an enemy who has shot poisoned arrows at one, like Coeur de
+Lion.'
+
+'Well,' said Margaret smiling, 'such heroic duties as those do not seem
+likely to fall in your way just now, perhaps they never may. Our
+fellow-creatures are so kind to us, that we are seldom called upon to
+fulfil any but small duties towards them, or what you would consider
+such; for I cannot allow any duty to be small, especially that of doing
+as we would be done by. If we do not fulfil that in trifles, we shall
+probably never fulfil it at all. This is a serious thought, Geoffrey.'
+
+Geoffrey looked up; and as he seemed inclined to listen, Margaret
+continued talking to him kindly but gravely, bringing many things before
+his mind as duties which he had hitherto considered to be matters of
+indifference. But Margaret would not allow any thing to be a trifle in
+which one person could give pain or pleasure, trouble or relief,
+annoyance or comfort to another, or by which any one's own mind or
+habits could be either injured or improved. She maintained that there
+was a right and a wrong to every thing, and that right and wrong could
+never be trifles, whether in great things or small. By degrees the
+conversation turned upon matters far too solemn to be repeated by a mere
+plaything like myself; but I thought, as I heard her, that it might be
+better to be a poor wooden figure which could do neither right nor
+wrong, than a human being who neglected his appointed duties.
+
+Geoffrey said little, but he shook hands with Margaret when she had
+finished speaking, and I noticed from that day forward a gradual
+improvement in his conduct. Bad habits are not cured in a minute, and he
+did not become all at once as gentle and considerate as Willy, nor as
+kind and helpful as Edward; but he put himself in the right road, and
+seemed in a fair way of overtaking them in due time. He at once left off
+_active_ mischief; and if he could not avoid being occasionally
+troublesome, he at any rate cured himself of teazing people on purpose.
+And it was remarkable how many employments he found as soon as his mind
+was disengaged from mischief. Instead of his dawdling about all the
+morning calling things stupid, and saying he had nothing to do, all
+manner of pleasant occupations seemed to start up in his path, as if
+made to order for him, now that he had time to attend to them. When he
+relinquished the pleasure of spoiling things, he acquired the far
+greater pleasure of learning to make them. When Edward was no longer
+afraid of trusting him with his tools, it was wonderful what a carpenter
+he turned out. When Margaret could venture to leave drawing materials
+within his reach, he began to draw capitally. Good-natured Margaret gave
+him lessons, and said she would never wish for a better scholar. He
+found it was twice the pleasure to walk or play with Edward when he was
+thought an acquisition instead of a burden; and far more agreeable to
+have Rose and Willy anxious for his company than wishing to get rid of
+him. But the advantages were not confined to himself; the whole house
+shared in them; for his perpetual small annoyances had made every body
+uncomfortable, whereas now, by attention to what he used to look upon as
+trifles, he found he had the power of contributing his part towards the
+happiness of his fellow-creatures, which is no trifle.
+
+On the last day of the holidays, the young people were all assembled in
+the schoolroom till it was time for Edward and Geoffrey to start. While
+Edward was arranging various matters with Willy, I heard Geoffrey
+whisper to Margaret that he hoped she had forgiven him for spoiling that
+drawing of hers. She seemed at first really not to know what he meant;
+but when she recollected it, she answered with a smile, 'Oh, my dear
+Geoffrey, I had forgiven and forgotten it long ago. Pray never think of
+it again yourself.' Geoffrey next went up to Rose and put a little
+parcel into her hands. On opening it, she found a box of very pretty
+bonbons in the shape of various vegetables. When she admired them, he
+seemed much pleased, and said that he had saved up his money to buy
+them, in hopes she might like them for her dolls' feasts. Rose kissed
+and thanked him, and said she only wished he could stay and help her and
+her dolls to eat them. Every body took an affectionate leave of
+Geoffrey, and Willy said he was very sorry to lose him, and should miss
+him sadly.
+
+Edward and Geoffrey returned to school, and I never saw Geoffrey again;
+but a constant correspondence was kept up between him and his cousins,
+and I often heard pleasant mention of his progress and improvement.
+
+Time passed on; what length of time I cannot say, all seasons and their
+change being alike to me; but school-days and holidays succeeded one
+another, and our family grew older in appearance and habits. Rose
+gradually spent less time with me, and more with her books and music,
+till at last, though she still kept my house in order, she never
+actually played with me, unless younger children came to visit her, and
+_then_, indeed, I was as popular as ever. But on a little friend's one
+day remarking that I had worn the same gown for a month, Rose answered
+that she herself had the charge of her own clothes now, and that what
+with keeping them in order, and doing fancy-work as presents for her
+friends, she found no time to work for dolls.
+
+By and by, her time for needlework was fully engaged in Geoffrey's
+behalf. He was going to sea; and Rose was making purses, slippers,
+portfolios, and every thing she could think of as likely to please him.
+Perhaps _her_ most useful keepsake was a sailor's housewife; but many
+nice things were sent him from every one of the family. I saw a trunk
+full of presents packed and sent off. And when I recollected my first
+acquaintance with him, I could not but marvel over the change that had
+taken place, before books, drawing materials, and mathematical
+instruments could have been chosen as the gifts best suited to his
+taste.
+
+Edward used to come home from school as merry and good-humored as ever,
+and growing taller and stronger every holiday. Rose and Margaret were as
+flourishing as he; but poor Willy grew weaker, and thinner, and paler.
+Fresh springs and summers brought him no revival, but as they faded, he
+seemed to fade with them. He read more than ever; and his sisters were
+frequently occupied in reading and writing under his direction, for they
+were anxious to help him in his pursuits. His Papa and Mama sometimes
+said he studied too hard; and they used to sit with him, and try to
+amuse him by conversation, when they wished to draw him from his books.
+Doctors visited him, and prescribed many remedies; and his Mama gave him
+all the medicines herself, and took care that every order was implicitly
+obeyed. His father carried him up and down stairs, and waited upon him
+as tenderly as even Margaret; but he grew no better with all their
+care. He was always gentle and patient, but he appeared in less good
+spirits than formerly. He seemed to enjoy going out in his wheel-chair
+more than any thing; but one day he observed that the summer was fast
+coming to an end, and that then he must shut himself up in his room, for
+that he minded the cold more than he used.
+
+'I wish we lived in a warmer country,' said Rose; 'perhaps then you
+might get better.'
+
+'I do not know about _living_,' replied Willy. 'England is the best
+country to _live_ in; but I certainly should like to be out of the way
+of the cold for this next winter.'
+
+'Why do not you tell Papa so?' asked Rose.
+
+'Because I know very well he would take me a journey directly, however
+inconvenient it might be to him.'
+
+Rose said nothing more just then, but she took the first opportunity of
+telling her father what had passed; and he said he was very glad indeed
+that she had let him know.
+
+From that day forward something more than usual seemed in contemplation.
+Papa, Mama, and Margaret were constantly consulting together, and
+Edward, Rose, and Willy followed their example. As for me, nobody had
+time to bestow a look or a thought upon me; but I made myself happy by
+looking at and thinking of _them_.
+
+One morning two doctors together paid Willy a long visit. After they
+were gone, his Papa and Mama came into his room.
+
+'Well, my boy,' his father exclaimed in an unusually cheerful tone, 'it
+is quite settled now; Madeira is the place, and I hope you like the
+plan.'
+
+'Oh, Papa,' said Willy, 'is it really worth while?'
+
+'Of course it is worth while, a hundred times over,' replied his father;
+'and we will be off in the first ship.'
+
+'The doctors strongly advise it, and we have all great hopes from it, my
+dear Willy,' said his mother.
+
+'Then so have I,' said Willy; 'and, indeed, I like it extremely, and I
+am very grateful to you. The only thing I mind is, that you and my
+father should have to leave home and make a long sea voyage, when you
+do not like travelling, and Papa has so much to keep him in England.'
+
+'Oh, never mind me,' said his mother; 'I shall like nothing so well as
+travelling, if it does you good.'
+
+'And never mind me,' said his father; 'there is nothing of so much
+consequence to keep me in England, as your health to take me out of it.'
+
+'Besides, my dear child,' said his mother, 'as the change of climate is
+so strongly recommended for you, it becomes a duty as well as a pleasure
+to try it.'
+
+'So make your mind easy, my boy,' added his father; 'and I will go and
+take our passage for Madeira.'
+
+The father left the room, and the mother remained conversing with her
+sick child, whose spirits were unusually excited. I scarcely knew him
+again. He was generally slow and quiet, and rather desponding about
+himself; but he now thought he should certainly get well, and was so
+eager and anxious to start without delay, that his mother had some
+difficulty in reconciling him to the idea that no ship would sail till
+next month. She also took great pains to impress upon him the duty of
+resignation, in case the attempt should fail, after all, in restoring
+his health; and she finally left him, not less hopeful, but more calm
+and contented with whatever might befall him.
+
+And now began the preparations for the voyage. There was no time to
+spare, considering all that had to be done. Every body was at work; and
+though poor Willy himself could not do much to help, he thought of
+nothing else. His common books and drawings were changed for maps and
+voyages; the track to Madeira was looked up by him and Rose every day,
+and sometimes two or three times in the day, and every book consulted
+that contained the least reference to the Madeira Isles.
+
+Edward was an indefatigable packer. He was not to be one of the
+travellers, as his father did not choose to interrupt his
+school-education; but no one was more active than he in forwarding the
+preparations for the voyage, and no one more sanguine about its
+results.
+
+'We shall have Willy back,' he would say, 'turned into a fine strong
+fellow, as good a cricketer as Geoffrey or I, and a better scholar than
+either of us.'
+
+Margaret and Rose were to go; and Rose's young friends all came to take
+leave of her, and talk over the plan, and find Madeira in the map, and
+look at views of the island, which had been given to Willy. And a
+sailor-friend, who had been all over the world, used to come and
+describe Madeira as one of the most beautiful of all the beautiful
+places he had visited, and tell of its blue sea, fresh and bright,
+without storms; its high mountains, neither barren nor bleak; and its
+climate, so warm and soft, that Willy might sit out all day in the
+beautiful gardens under hedges of fragrant geraniums. And when Willy
+talked of enjoying the gardens while his stronger sisters were climbing
+the hills, there was more to be told of cradles borne upon men's
+shoulders, in which Willy could be carried to the top of the highest
+hills as easily as his sisters on their mountain ponies. And now the
+packing was all finished, and the luggage sent on board, and every body
+was anxious to follow it; for the ship was reported as quite
+comfortable, and the house was decidedly the reverse. Margaret and her
+father had been on board to arrange the cabins, accompanied by their
+sailor-friend, who professed to know how to fit up a berth better than
+any body. He had caused all the furniture to be fastened, or, as he
+called it, _cleated_ to the floor, that it might not roll about in rough
+weather. The books were secured in the shelves by bars, and swinging
+tables hung from the ceilings. Willy's couch was in the most airy and
+convenient place at the stern cabin window, and there was an easy chair
+for him when he should be able to come out on deck. The ship was said to
+be in perfect order, whereas the house was in the utmost confusion and
+desolation: the carpets rolled up, the pictures taken down, the mirrors
+covered with muslin, the furniture and bookcases with canvass; not a
+vestige left of former habits and occupations, except me and my little
+mansion. But in the midst of all the bustle, I was as calm and collected
+as if nothing had happened. I sat quietly in my arm-chair, staring
+composedly at all that went on, contented and happy, though apparently
+forgotten by every body. Indeed, such was my placid, patient
+disposition, that I do not believe I should have uttered a sound or
+moved a muscle if the whole of London had fallen about my little ears.
+
+I did certainly sometimes wish to know what was to become of me, and at
+last that information was given me.
+
+The night before they sailed, Rose busied herself with Sarah in packing
+up my house and furniture, which were to be sent to a little girl who
+had long considered it her greatest treat to play with them. But Rose
+did not pack me up with my goods and chattels.
+
+'My poor old Seraphina,' said she, as she removed me from my arm-chair,
+'you and I have passed many a happy day together, and I do not like to
+throw you away as mere rubbish; but the new mistress of your house has
+already more dolls than she knows what to do with. You are no great
+beauty now, but I wish I knew any child who would care for you.'
+
+'If you please to give her to me, Miss Rose,' said Sarah, 'my little
+niece, that your Mama is so kind as to put to school, would thank you
+kindly, and think her the greatest of beauties.'
+
+'Oh, then, take her by all means, Sarah,' replied Rose; 'and here is a
+little trunk to keep her clothes in. I remember I used to be very fond
+of that trunk; so I dare say your little Susan will like it, though it
+is not quite new.'
+
+'That she will, and many thanks to you, Miss. Susan will be as delighted
+with it now, as you were a year or two ago.'
+
+So they wrapped me up in paper, and Rose having given me a farewell
+kiss, which I would have returned if I could, Sarah put me and my trunk
+both into her great pocket; and on the same day that my old friends
+embarked for their distant voyage, I was carried to my new home.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+And now began a third stage of my existence, and a fresh variety of
+life.
+
+I at first feared that I should have great difficulty in reconciling
+myself to the change; and my reflections in Sarah's dark pocket were of
+the most gloomy cast. I dreaded poverty and neglect. How should I,
+accustomed to the refinements of polished life and the pleasures of
+cultivated society, endure to be tossed about with no home of my own,
+and perhaps no one who really cared for me? I knew that I was not in my
+first bloom, and it seemed unlikely that a new acquaintance should feel
+towards me like my old friend Rose, who had so long known my value.
+Perhaps I might be despised; perhaps allowed to go ragged, perhaps even
+dirty! My spirits sunk, and had I been human, I should have wept.
+
+But cheerful voices aroused me from this melancholy reverie, and I found
+myself restored to the pleasant light in the hands of a
+goodhumored-looking little girl, whose reception of me soon banished my
+fears. For, although altered since the days of my introduction to the
+world in the bazaar, so that my beauty was not quite what it had been, I
+still retained charms enough to make me a valuable acquisition to a
+child who had not much choice of toys; and my disposition and manners
+were as amiable and pleasing as ever. My new mistress and I soon loved
+each other dearly; and in her family I learned that people might be
+equally happy and contented under very different outward circumstances.
+
+Nothing could well be more unlike my former home than that to which I
+was now introduced. Susan, my little mistress, was a child of about the
+same age as Rose when she first bought me; but Susan had no money to
+spend in toys, and very little time to play with them, though she
+enjoyed them as much as Rose herself. She gave me a hearty welcome; and
+though she could offer me no furnished house, with its elegancies and
+comforts, she assigned me the best place in her power--the corner of a
+shelf on which she kept her books, slate, needlework, and inkstand. And
+there I lived, sitting on my trunk, and observing human life from a new
+point of view. And though my dignity might appear lowered in the eyes of
+the unthinking, I felt that the respectability of my character was
+really in no way diminished; for I was able to fulfil the great object
+of my existence as well as ever, by giving innocent pleasure, and being
+useful in my humble way.
+
+No other dolls now visited me; but I was not deprived of the enjoyments
+of inanimate society, for I soon struck up an intimate acquaintance with
+an excellent Pen in the inkstand by my side, and we passed our leisure
+hours very pleasantly in communicating to each other our past
+adventures. His knowledge of life was limited, having resided in that
+inkstand, and performed all the writing of the family, ever since he
+was a quill. But his experience was wise and virtuous; and he could bear
+witness to many an industrious effort at improvement, in which he had
+been the willing instrument; and to many a hard struggle for honesty and
+independence, which figures of his writing had recorded. I liked to
+watch the good Pen at his work when the father of the family spent an
+hour in the evening in teaching Susan and her brothers to write; or when
+the careful mother took him in hand to help her in balancing her
+accounts, and ascertaining that she owed no one a penny, before she
+ventured upon any new purchase. Then my worthy friend was in his glory;
+and it was delightful to see how he enjoyed his work. He had but one
+fault, which was a slight tendency to splutter; and as he was obliged to
+keep that under restraint while engaged in writing, he made himself
+amends by a little praise of himself, when relating his exploits to a
+sympathising friend like myself. On his return with the inkstand to the
+corner of my shelf, he could not resist sometimes boasting when he had
+not made a single blot; or confessing to me, in perfect confidence, how
+much the thinness of Susan's upstrokes, or the thickness of her
+downstrokes, was owing to the clearness of his slit or the fineness of
+his nib.
+
+The family of which we made part lived frugally and worked hard: but
+they were healthy and happy. The father with his boys went out early in
+the morning to the daily labor by which they maintained the family. The
+mother remained at home, to take care of the baby and do the work of the
+house. She was the neatest and most careful person I ever saw, and she
+brought up her daughter Susan to be as notable as herself.
+
+Susan was an industrious little girl, and in her childish way worked
+almost as hard as her mother. She helped to sweep the house, and nurse
+the baby, and mend the clothes, and was as busy as a bee. But she was
+always tidy; and though her clothes were often old and shabby, I never
+saw them dirty or ragged. Indeed, I must own that, in point of
+_neatness_, Susan was even superior to my old friend Rose. Rose would
+break her strings, or lose her buttons, or leave holes in her gloves,
+till reproved by her Mama for untidiness: but Susan never forgot that 'a
+stitch in time saves nine,' and the stitch was never wanting.
+
+She used to go to school for some hours every day: and I should have
+liked to go with her, and help her in her studies, especially when I
+found that she was learning the multiplication-table, and I remembered
+how useful I had been to Rose in that very lesson; but dolls were not
+allowed at school, and I was obliged to wait patiently for Susan's
+company till she had finished all her business, both at school and at
+home.
+
+She had so little time to bestow upon me, that at first I began to fear
+that I should be of no use to her. The suspicion was terrible; for the
+wish to be useful has been the great idea of my life. It was my earliest
+hope, and it will be my latest pleasure. I could be happy under almost
+any change of circumstances; but as long as a splinter of me remains, I
+should never be able to reconcile myself to the degradation of thinking
+that I had been _of no use_.
+
+But I soon found I was in no danger of what I so much dreaded. In fact,
+I seemed likely to be even more useful to Susan than to Rose. Before I
+had been long in the house, she said one evening that she had an hour to
+spare, and that she would make me some clothes.
+
+'Well and good,' answered her mother; 'only be sure to put your best
+work in them. If you mind your work, the doll will be of great use to
+you, and you can play without wasting your time.'
+
+This was good hearing for Susan and me, and she spent most of her
+leisure in working for me. While she was thus employed, I came down from
+my shelf, and was treated with as much consideration as when Rose and
+her companions waited at my table.
+
+A great change took place in my wardrobe. Rose had always dressed me in
+gay silks and satins, without much regard to under clothing; for, she
+said, as my gowns must be sewn on, what did any petticoats signify? So
+she sewed me up, and I looked very smart; and if there happened to be
+any unseemly cobbling, she hid it with beads or spangles. Once I
+remember a very long stitch baffled all her contrivances, and she said I
+must pretend it was a new-fashioned sort of embroidery.
+
+But Susan scorned all _make-shifts_. Nothing could have been more
+unfounded than my fears of becoming ragged or dirty. My attire was plain
+and suited to my station, but most scrupulously finished. She saw no
+reason why my clothes should not be made to take off and on, as well as
+if I had been a doll three feet high. So I had my plain gingham gowns
+with strings and buttons; and my shifts and petticoats run and felled,
+gathered and whipped, hemmed and stitched, like any lady's; and every
+thing was neatly marked with my initial S. But what Susan and I were
+most particularly proud of, was a pair of stays. They were a long time
+in hand, for the fitting them was a most difficult job; but when
+finished, they were such curiosities of needlework, that Susan's neat
+mother herself used to show off the stitching and the eyelet-holes to
+every friend that came to see her.
+
+Among them, Sarah the housemaid, who was sister to Susan's father, often
+called in to ask after us all. She was left in charge of the house where
+my former friends had lived, and they sometimes sent her commissions to
+execute for them. Then she was sure to come and bring us news of _the
+family_, as she always called Rose and her relations. Sometimes she told
+us that Master William was a little better; sometimes that she heard
+Miss Rose was very much grown; she had generally something to tell that
+we were all glad to hear. One evening, soon after my apparel was quite
+completed, I was sitting on my trunk, as pleased with myself as Susan
+was with me, when Sarah's head peeped in at the door.
+
+'Good evening to you all,' said she; 'I thought as I went by you would
+like to hear that I have a letter from the family, and all's well. I
+have got a pretty little job to do for Master Willy. He is to have a
+set of new shirts sent out directly, made of very fine thin calico,
+because his own are too thick. See, here is the stuff I have been buying
+for them.'
+
+'It is beautiful calico, to be sure,' said Susan's mother; 'but such
+fine stuff as that will want very neat work. I am afraid you will hardly
+be able to make them yourself.'
+
+'Why, no,' answered Sarah, smiling and shaking her head. 'I am sorry to
+say, _there_ comes in my old trouble, not having learned to work neatly
+when I was young. Take warning by me, Susan, and mind your needlework
+now-a-days. If I could work as neatly as your mother, my mistress would
+have made me lady's maid and housekeeper by this time. But I could not
+learn any but rough work, more's the pity: so I say again, take warning
+by _me_, little niece; take pattern by your mother.'
+
+Susan looked at me and smiled, as much as to say, 'I have taken pattern
+by her;' but she had not time to answer, for Sarah continued, addressing
+the mother:
+
+[Illustration: Page 106]
+
+'How I wish you could have time to do this job! for it would bring you
+in a pretty penny, and I know my mistress would be pleased with your
+work; but they are to be done very quickly, in time for the next ship,
+and I do not see that you _could_ get through them with only one pair of
+hands.'
+
+'We have two pair of hands,' cried Susan; 'here are mine.'
+
+'Ah, but what can they do?' asked Sarah, 'and how can they do it? It is
+not enough to have four fingers and a thumb. Hands must be handy.'
+
+'And so they are,' answered Susan's mother. 'See whether any hands could
+do neater work than that.' And she pointed me out to Sarah.
+
+Sarah took me up, and turned me from side to side. Then she looked at my
+hems, then at my seams, then at my gathers, while I felt truly proud and
+happy, conscious that not a long stitch could be found in either.
+
+'Well to be sure!' exclaimed she, after examining me all over; 'do you
+mean that all that is really Susan's own work?'
+
+'Every stitch of it,' replied the mother; 'and I think better need not
+be put into any shirt, though Master William does deserve the best of
+every thing.'
+
+'You never said a truer word, neither for Master William nor for little
+Susan,' replied Sarah; 'and I wish you joy, Susan, of being able to help
+your mother so nicely, for now I can leave you the job to do between
+you.'
+
+She then told them what was to be the payment for the work, which was a
+matter I did not myself understand, though I could see that it gave them
+great satisfaction.
+
+The money came at a most convenient time, to help in fitting out Susan's
+brother Robert for a place which had been offered to him in the country.
+It was an excellent place; but there were several things, as his mother
+well knew, that poor Robert wanted at starting, but would not mention
+for fear his parents should distress themselves to obtain them for him.
+Both father and mother had been saving for the purpose, without saying
+any thing about it to Robert; but they almost despaired of obtaining
+more than half the things they wanted, till this little sum of money
+came into their hands so opportunely.
+
+The father was in the secret, but Robert could scarcely believe his
+eyes, when one evening his mother and Susan laid on the table before
+him, one by one, all the useful articles he wished to possess. At first
+he seemed almost more vexed than pleased, for he thought of the saving
+and the slaving that his mother must have gone through to gain them; but
+when she told him how much of them was due to his little sister's
+neatness and industry, and how easy the work had been when shared
+between them, he was as much pleased as Susan herself.
+
+We were all very happy that evening, including even the humble friends
+on the shelf; for I sat on my trunk, and related to the Pen how useful I
+had been in teaching Susan to work; and the worthy Pen stood bolt
+upright in his inkstand, and confided to me with honest pride, that
+Robert had been chosen to his situation on account of his excellent
+writing.
+
+Time passed on, and I suppose we all grew older, as I noticed from time
+to time various changes that seemed to proceed from that cause. The
+baby, for instance, though still going by the name of 'Baby,' had become
+a strong able-bodied child, running alone, and very difficult to keep
+out of mischief. The most effectual way of keeping her quiet was to
+place me in her hands, when she would sit on the floor nursing me by the
+hour together, while her mother and sister were at work.
+
+Susan was become a tall strong girl, more notable than ever, and, like
+Rose before her, she gradually bestowed less attention on me; so that I
+was beginning to feel myself neglected, till on a certain birthday of
+her little sister's, she declared her intention of making me over
+altogether to the baby-sister for a birthday present. Then I once more
+rose into importance, and found powers which I thought declining, still
+undiminished. The baby gave a scream of delight when I was placed in her
+hand as her own. Till then she had only possessed one toy in the world,
+an old wooden horse, in comparison with which I seemed in the full bloom
+of youth and beauty. This horse, which she called JACK, had lost not
+merely the ornaments of mane and tail, but his head, one fore and one
+hind leg; so that nothing remained of the once noble quadruped but a
+barrel with the paint scratched off, rather insecurely perched upon a
+stand with wheels. But he was a faithful animal, and did his work to the
+last. The baby used to tie me on to his barrel, and Jack and I were
+drawn round and round the kitchen with as much satisfaction to our
+mistress, as in the days when I shone forth, in my gilt coach with its
+four prancing piebalds.
+
+But the baby's treatment of me, though gratifying from its cordiality,
+had a roughness and want of ceremony that affected my enfeebled frame. I
+could not conceal from myself that the infirmities I had observed in
+other dolls were gradually gaining ground upon me. Nobody ever said a
+harsh word to me, or dropped a hint of my being less pretty than ever,
+and the baby called me 'Beauty, beauty,' twenty times a day; but still
+I knew very well that not only had my rosy color and fine hair
+disappeared, but I had lost the whole of one leg and half of the other,
+and the lower joints of both my arms. In fact, as my worthy friend the
+Pen observed, both he and I were reduced to stumps.
+
+The progress of decay caused me no regret, for I felt that I had done my
+work, and might now gracefully retire from public life, and resign my
+place to newer dolls. But though contented with my lot, I had still one
+anxious wish ungratified. The thought occupied my mind incessantly; and
+the more I dwelt upon it, the stronger grew the hope that I might have a
+chance of seeing my old first friends once more. This was now my only
+remaining care.
+
+News came from them from time to time. Sarah brought word that Master
+William was better; that they had left Madeira, and gone travelling
+about elsewhere. Then that the father had been in England upon business,
+and gone back again; that Mr. Edward had been over to foreign parts one
+summer holidays to see his family, and on his return had come to give
+her an account of them.
+
+Sarah was always very bustling when she had any news to bring of the
+family, but one day she called on us in even more flurry than usual. She
+was quite out of breath with eagerness.
+
+'Sit down and rest a minute before you begin to speak,' said her quiet
+sister-in-law. 'There must be some great news abroad. It seems almost
+too much for you.'
+
+Susan nodded, and began to unpack a great parcel she had brought with
+her.
+
+'It don't seem bad news, to judge by your face,' said the other; for now
+that Sarah had recovered breath, her smiles succeeded one another so
+fast, that she seemed to think words superfluous.
+
+'I guess, I guess,' cried Susan. 'They are coming home.'
+
+'They are, indeed,' answered Sarah at last; 'they are coming home as
+fast as steam-engines can bring them: and here is work more than enough
+for you and mother till they come. Miss Margaret is going to be
+married, and you are to make the wedding-clothes.'
+
+So saying, she finished unpacking her parcel, and produced various fine
+materials which required Susan's neatest work.
+
+'These are for you to begin with,' said she, 'but there is more coming.'
+She then read a letter from the ladies with directions about the
+needlework, to which Susan and her mother listened with great attention.
+Then Sarah jumped up, saying she must not let the grass grow under her
+feet, for she had plenty to do. The whole house was to be got ready; and
+she would not have a thing out of its place, nor a speck of dust to be
+found, for any money.
+
+Susan and her mother lost no time either; their needles never seemed to
+stop: and I sat on the baby's lap watching them, and enjoying the happy
+anticipation that my last wish would soon be accomplished.
+
+But though Susan was as industrious as a girl could be, and just now
+wished to work harder than ever, she was not doomed to 'all work and no
+play;' for her father took care that his children should enjoy
+themselves at proper times. In summer evenings, after he came home from
+his work, they used often to go out all together for a walk in the
+nearest park, when he and his wife would rest under the trees, and read
+over Robert's last letter, while the children amused themselves. Very
+much we all enjoyed it, for even I was seldom left behind. Susan would
+please the baby by dressing me in my best clothes for the walk; and the
+good-natured father would laugh merrily at us, and remark how much good
+the fresh air did me. We were all very happy; and when my thoughts
+travelled to other scenes and times, I sometimes wondered whether my
+former friends enjoyed themselves as much in their southern gardens, as
+this honest family in their English fields.
+
+Our needlework was finished and sent to Sarah's care to await Margaret's
+arrival, for which we were very anxious.
+
+On returning home one evening after our walk, we passed, as we often
+did, through the street in which I had formerly lived. Susan was leading
+her little sister, who, on her part, clutched me in a way very unlike
+the gentleness which Susan bestowed upon her. On arriving at the
+well-known house, we saw Sarah standing at the area-gate. We stopped to
+speak to her.
+
+'When are they expected?' asked Susan's mother.
+
+'They may be here any minute,' answered Sarah; 'Mr. Edward has just
+brought the news.'
+
+The street-door now opened, and two gentlemen came out and stood on the
+steps. One was a tall fine-looking boy, grown almost into a young man;
+but I could not mistake the open good-humored countenance of my old
+friend Edward. The other was older, and I recognised him as the
+traveller who used to describe Madeira to Willy.
+
+They did not notice us, for we stood back so as not to intrude, and
+their minds were evidently fully occupied with the expected meeting.
+
+We all gazed intently down the street, every voice hushed in eager
+interest. Even my own little mistress, usually the noisiest of her
+tribe, was silent as myself. It was a quiet street and a quiet time, and
+the roll of the distant carriages would scarcely have seemed to break
+the silence, had it not been for our intense watching, and hoping that
+the sound of every wheel would draw nearer. We waited long, and were
+more than once disappointed by carriages passing us and disappearing at
+the end of the street. Edward and his friend walked up and down, east
+and west, north and south, in hopes of descrying the travellers in the
+remotest distance. But after each unavailing walk, they took up their
+post again on the steps.
+
+At last a travelling carriage laden with luggage turned the nearest
+corner, rolled towards us, and stopped at the house. The two gentlemen
+rushed down the steps, flung open the carriage-door, and for some
+moments all was hurry and agitation, and I could distinguish nothing.
+
+I much feared that I should now be obliged to go home without actually
+seeing my friends, for they had passed so quickly from the carriage to
+the house, and there had been so much confusion and excitement during
+those few seconds, that my transient glance scarcely allowed me to know
+one from another; but in course of time Sarah came out again, and asked
+Susan's father to help in unloading the carriage, desiring us to sit
+meanwhile in the housekeeper's room. So we waited till the business was
+finished, when, to my great joy, we were summoned to the sitting-room,
+and I had the happiness of seeing all the family once more assembled.
+
+I was delighted to find how much less they were altered than I. I had
+been half afraid that I might see one without a leg, another without an
+arm, according to the dilapidations which had taken place in my own
+frame; but strange to say, their sensitive bodies, which felt every
+change of weather, shrunk from a rough touch, and bled at the scratch
+of a pin, had outlasted mine, though insensible to pain or sickness.
+There stood the father, scarcely altered; his hair perhaps a little more
+gray, but his eyes as quick and bright as ever. And there was the
+mother, still grave and gentle, but looking less sad and careworn than
+in the days of Willy's constant illness. And there was, first in
+interest to me, my dear mistress, Rose, as tall as Margaret, and as
+handsome as Edward. I could not imagine her condescending to play with
+me now. Margaret looked just as in former times, good and graceful; but
+she stood a little apart with the traveller friend by her side, and I
+heard Rose whisper to Susan that the wedding was to take place in a
+fortnight. They were only waiting for Geoffrey to arrive. His ship was
+daily expected, and they all wished him to be present.
+
+And Willy, for whose sake the long journey had been made, how was he?
+Were all their hopes realized? Edward shook his head when Susan's mother
+asked that question; but Willy was there to answer it himself. He was
+standing by the window, leaning on a stick, it is true, but yet able to
+stand. As he walked across the room, I saw that he limped slightly, but
+could move about where he pleased. He still looked thin and pale, but
+the former expression of suffering and distress had disappeared, and his
+countenance was as cheerful as his manner. I could see that he was very
+much better, though not in robust health like Edward's. He thanked
+Susan's mother for her kind inquiries, and said that, though he had not
+become all that his sanguine brother hoped, he had gained health more
+than enough to satisfy himself; that he was most thankful for his
+present comfort and independence; and that if he was not quite so strong
+as other people, he hoped he should at any rate make a good use of the
+strength that was allowed him. Turning to Edward, who still looked
+disappointed, he continued: 'Who could have ventured to hope, Edward,
+three years ago, that you and I should now be going to college
+together?' And then even Edward smiled and seemed content.
+
+As we turned to leave the room, Susan and her little sister lingered for
+a moment behind the others, and the child held me up towards Rose. Rose
+started, and exclaimed, 'Is it possible? It really _is_ my poor old
+Seraphina. Who would have thought of her being still in existence? What
+a good, useful doll she has been! I really must give her a kiss once
+more for old friendship's sake.'
+
+So saying, she kissed both me and the baby, and we left the house.
+
+And now there remains but little more for me to relate. My history and
+my existence are fast drawing to an end; my last wish has been gratified
+by my meeting with Rose, and my first hope realized by her praise of my
+usefulness. She has since given the baby a new doll, and I am finally
+laid on the shelf, to enjoy, in company with my respected friend the
+Pen, a tranquil old age. When he, like myself, was released from active
+work, and replaced by one of Mordan's patent steel, he kindly offered to
+employ his remaining leisure in writing from my dictation, and it is in
+compliance with his advice that I have thus ventured to record my
+experience.
+
+That experience has served to teach me that, as all inanimate things
+have some destined use, so all rational creatures have some appointed
+duties, and are happy and well employed while fulfilling them.
+
+With this reflection, I bid a grateful farewell to those young patrons
+of my race who have kindly taken an interest in my memoirs, contentedly
+awaiting the time when the small remnant of my frame shall be reduced to
+dust, and my quiet existence sink into a still more profound repose.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Doll and Her Friends, by Unknown
+
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+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"
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+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
+  <head>
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" />
+    <title>
+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Doll and Her Friends, by Anonymous
+    </title>
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Doll and Her Friends, by Unknown
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Doll and Her Friends
+       or Memoirs of the Lady Seraphina
+
+Author: Unknown
+
+Illustrator: Hablot K. Browne
+
+Release Date: June 18, 2007 [EBook #21861]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DOLL AND HER FRIENDS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Jana Srna and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The University of Florida, The Internet
+Archive/Children's Library)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 398px;">
+<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="398" height="550" alt="Cover" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 441px; margin-top: 80px; margin-bottom: 80px;">
+<img src="images/frontispiece.png" width="441" height="600" alt="Frontispiece" title="" />
+<span class="caption">Page <a href="#Page_59">59</a>.</span>
+</div>
+
+<h3>THE</h3>
+
+<h1>DOLL AND HER FRIENDS;</h1>
+
+<h4>OR</h4>
+
+<h2>Memoirs of the Lady Seraphina.</h2>
+
+
+
+<h3 style="margin-top: 80px; margin-bottom: 80px;">BY THE AUTHOR OF<br/>
+"LETTERS FROM MADRAS,"<br/>
+"HISTORICAL CHARADES,"<br/>
+ETC. ETC.</h3>
+
+
+
+<h4 style="margin-bottom: 80px;">WITH FOUR ILLUSTRATIONS BY HABLOT K. BROWNE,<br/>
+ENGRAVED BY BAKER AND SMITH.</h4>
+
+
+
+<h3>BOSTON:<br/>
+TICKNOR, REED, AND FIELDS.</h3>
+
+<h4 style="margin-bottom: 40px;">MDCCCLII.</h4>
+
+<h4>PRINTED BY THURSTON, TORRY, AND EMERSON.</h4>
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>PREFACE.</h2>
+
+
+<p>My principal intention, or rather aim, in writing
+this little Book, was to amuse Children by a story
+founded on one of their favorite diversions, and to
+inculcate a few such minor morals as my little plot
+might be strong enough to carry; chiefly the domestic
+happiness produced by kind tempers and consideration
+for others. And further, I wished to say a
+word in favor of that good old-fashioned plaything,
+the Doll, which one now sometimes hears decried by
+sensible people who have no children of their own.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h1>The Doll and Her Friends.</h1>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+
+<p>I belong to a race, the sole end of whose
+existence is to give pleasure to others. None
+will deny the goodness of such an end, and
+I flatter myself most persons will allow that
+we amply fulfil it. Few of the female sex
+especially but will acknowledge, with either
+the smile or the sigh called forth by early
+recollections, that much of their youthful
+happiness was due to our presence; and
+some will even go so far as to attribute to
+our influence many a habit of housewifery,
+neatness, and industry, which ornaments
+their riper years.</p>
+
+<p>But to our <em>influence</em>, our silent, unconscious
+influence alone, can such advantages be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span>
+ascribed; for neither example nor precept
+are in our power; our race cannot boast of
+intellectual endowments; and though there
+are few qualities, moral or mental, that have
+not in their turn been imputed to us by
+partial friends, truth obliges me to confess
+that they exist rather in the minds of our
+admirers than in our own persons.</p>
+
+<p>We are a race of mere dependents; some
+might even call us slaves. Unable to change
+our place, or move hand or foot at our own
+pleasure, and forced to submit to every
+caprice of our possessors, we cannot be said
+to have even a will of our own. But every
+condition has its share of good and evil, and
+I have often considered my helplessness and
+dependence as mere trifles compared with
+the troubles to which poor sensitive human
+beings are subject.</p>
+
+<p>Pain, sickness, or fatigue I never knew.
+While a fidgetty child cannot keep still for
+two minutes at a time, I sit contentedly for
+days together in the same attitude; and I
+have before now seen one of those irritable<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span>
+young mortals cry at a scratch, while I was
+hearing needles drawn in and out of every
+part of my body, or sitting with a pin run
+straight through my heart, calmly congratulating
+myself on being free from the inconveniences
+of flesh and blood.</p>
+
+<p>Of negative merits I possess a good share.
+I am never out of humor, never impatient,
+never mischievous, noisy, nor intrusive; and
+though I and my fellows cannot lay claim to
+brilliant powers either in word or deed, we
+may boast of the same qualifications as our
+wittiest king, for certainly none of us ever
+'said a foolish thing,' if she 'never did a wise
+one.'</p>
+
+<p>Personal beauty I might almost, without
+vanity, call the 'badge of all our tribe.' Our
+very name is seldom mentioned without the
+epithet <em>pretty</em>; and in my own individual
+case I may say that I have always been considered
+pleasing and elegant, though others
+have surpassed me in size and grandeur.</p>
+
+<p>But our most striking characteristic is our
+power of inspiring strong attachment. The<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span>
+love bestowed on us by our possessors is
+proof against time, familiarity, and misfortune:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">'Age cannot wither' us, 'nor custom stale'<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Our 'infinite variety.'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>With no trace of our original beauty left,&mdash;dress
+in tatters, complexion defaced, features
+undistinguishable, our very limbs mutilated,
+the mere wreck of our former selves,&mdash;who
+has not seen one of us still the delight and
+solace of some tender young heart; the confidant
+of its fancies, and the soother of its
+sorrows; preferred to all newer claimants,
+however high their pretensions; the still
+unrivalled favorite, in spite of the laughter
+of the nursery and the quiet contempt of the
+schoolroom?</p>
+
+<p>Young and gentle reader, your sympathy
+or your sagacity has doubtless suggested to
+you my name. I am, as you guess, a <span class="smcap">Doll</span>;
+and though not a doll of any peculiar pretensions,
+I flatter myself that my life may not
+be quite without interest to the young lovers
+of my race, and in this hope I venture to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span>
+submit my memoirs to your indulgent consideration.</p>
+
+<p>I am but a small doll; not one of those
+splendid specimens of wax, modelled from
+the Princess Royal, with distinct fingers and
+toes, eyes that shut, and tongues that wag.
+No; such I have only contemplated from a
+respectful distance as I lay on my stall in the
+bazaar, while they towered sublime in the
+midst of the toys, the wonder and admiration
+of every passing child. I am not even one
+of those less magnificent, but still dignified,
+leathern-skinned individuals, requiring
+clothes to take off and put on, and a cradle
+to sleep in, with sheets, blankets, and every
+thing complete. Neither can I found my
+claim to notice upon any thing odd or
+unusual in my appearance: I am not a negro
+doll, with wide mouth and woolly hair; nor
+a doll with a gutta-percha face, which can
+be twisted into all kinds of grimaces.</p>
+
+<p>I am a simple English doll, about six
+inches high, with jointed limbs and an
+enamel face, a slim waist and upright figure,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span>
+an amiable smile, and intelligent eye, and
+hair dressed in the first style of fashion. I
+never thought myself vain, but I own that
+in my youth I did pique myself upon my
+hair. There was but one opinion about <em>that</em>.
+I have often heard even grown-up people
+remark, 'How ingeniously that doll's wig is
+put on, and how nicely it is arranged!' while
+at the same time my rising vanity was
+crushed by the insinuation that I had an
+absurd smirk or a ridiculous stare.</p>
+
+<p>However, the opinions of human beings
+of mature age never much disturbed me.
+The world was large enough for them and
+me; and I could contentedly see them turn
+to their own objects of interest, while I
+awaited in calm security the unqualified
+praise of those whose praise alone was
+valuable to me&mdash;their children and grand-children.</p>
+
+<p>I first opened my eyes to the light in the
+Pantheon Bazaar. How I came there I
+know not; my conscious existence dates
+only from the moment in which a silver-paper<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span>
+covering was removed from my face,
+and the world burst upon my view. A feeling
+of importance was the first that arose in
+my mind. As the hand that held me turned
+me from side to side, I looked about. Dolls
+were before me, dolls behind, and dolls on
+each side. For a considerable time I could
+see nothing else. The world seemed made
+for dolls. But by degrees, as my powers of
+vision strengthened, my horizon extended,
+and I perceived that portions of space were
+allotted to many other objects. I descried,
+at various distances, aids to amusements in
+endless succession,&mdash;balls, bats, battledores,
+boxes, bags, and baskets; carts, cradles, and
+cups and saucers. I did not then know any
+thing of the alphabet, and I cannot say that
+I have quite mastered it even now; but if I
+were learned enough, I am sure I could go
+from A to Z, as initial letters of the wonders
+with which I soon made acquaintance.</p>
+
+<p>Not that I at once became aware of the
+uses, or even the names, of all I saw. No
+one took the trouble to teach me; and it was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span>
+only by dint of my own intense observation
+that I gained any knowledge at all. I did
+not at first even know that I was a doll.
+But I made the most of opportunities, and
+my mind gradually expanded.</p>
+
+<p>I first learned to distinguish human beings.
+Their powers of motion made a decided
+difference between them and the other surrounding
+objects, and naturally my attention
+was early turned towards the actions of the
+shopwoman on whose stall I lived. She
+covered me and my companions with a large
+cloth every night, and restored the daylight
+to us in the morning. We were all perfectly
+helpless without her, and absolutely under
+her control. At her will the largest top
+hummed, or was silent; the whip cracked,
+or lay harmlessly by the side of the horse.
+She moved us from place to place, and exhibited
+or hid us at her pleasure; but she
+was always so extremely careful of our health
+and looks, and her life seemed so entirely
+devoted to us and to our advantage, that I
+often doubted whether she was our property<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span>
+or we hers. Her habits varied so little from
+day to day, that after watching her for a
+reasonable time, I felt myself perfectly acquainted
+with <em>her</em>, and in a condition to
+make observations upon others of her race.</p>
+
+<p>One day a lady and a little girl stopped at
+our stall.</p>
+
+<p>'Oh, what a splendid doll,' exclaimed the
+child, pointing to the waxen beauty which
+outshone the rest of our tribe. It was the
+first time I had heard the word <em>Doll</em>, though
+I was well acquainted with the illustrious
+individual to whom it was applied; and it
+now flashed upon my mind, with pride and
+pleasure, that, however insignificant in comparison,
+I too was a doll. But I had not
+time to think very deeply about my name
+and nature just then, as I wished to listen
+to the conversation of the two human beings.</p>
+
+<p>'May I buy her?' said the little girl.</p>
+
+<p>'Can you afford it?' asked the lady in
+return. 'Remember your intentions for your
+brother.'</p>
+
+<p>'Perhaps I have money enough for both,'<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span>
+answered the child. 'How much does she
+cost?'</p>
+
+<p>'Seven shillings,' said the shopwoman,
+taking the doll from her place, and displaying
+her pretty face and hands to the utmost
+advantage.</p>
+
+<p>'I have three half-crowns,' said the little
+girl.</p>
+
+<p>'But if you spend seven shillings on the
+doll,' answered the lady, 'you will only have
+sixpence left for the paint-box.'</p>
+
+<p>'What does a paint-box cost?' asked the
+child.</p>
+
+<p>'We have them of all prices,' replied the
+shopkeeper; 'from sixpence to seven shillings.'</p>
+
+<p>The little girl examined several with great
+care, and stood some time in deliberation; at
+last she said, 'I don't think Willy would
+like a sixpenny one.'</p>
+
+<p>'It would be of no use to him,' answered
+the lady. 'He draws well enough to want
+better colors. If you gave it to him, he
+would thank you and try to seem pleased,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span>
+but he would not really care for it. However,
+he does not know that you thought of
+making him a birthday present, so you are
+at liberty to spend your money as you
+like.'</p>
+
+<p>'Would he care for a seven shilling one?'
+asked the little girl.</p>
+
+<p>'Yes; that is exactly what he wants.'</p>
+
+<p>'Then he shall have it,' exclaimed the
+good-natured little sister. 'Poor dear Willy,
+how many more amusements I have than
+he!'</p>
+
+<p>She bought the best paint-box, and received
+sixpence in change.</p>
+
+<p>'Is there any thing else I can show you?'
+asked the shopkeeper.</p>
+
+<p>'No, thank you,' she replied; and turning
+to the elder lady, she said, 'May we go home
+at once, Mama? It would take me a long
+time to choose what I shall spend my sixpence
+in, and I should like to give Willy his
+paint-box directly.'</p>
+
+<p>'By all means,' answered the lady; 'we
+will lose no time; and I will bring you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span>
+again to spend the sixpence whenever you
+please.'</p>
+
+<p>Without one backward glance towards
+the beautiful doll, the child tripped away
+by the side of her companion, looking the
+brightest and happiest of her kind.</p>
+
+<p>I pondered long upon this circumstance;
+how long I cannot say, for dolls are unable
+to measure time, they can only date from
+any particularly striking epochs. For instance,
+we can say, 'Such an affair happened
+before I lost my leg;' or, 'Such an event
+took place before my new wig was put on;'
+but of the intricate divisions known to mortals
+by the names of hours, days, months,
+&amp;c., we have no idea.</p>
+
+<p>However, I meditated on the kind little
+sister during what appeared to me a long
+but not tedious period, for I was gratified at
+gaining some insight into the qualities proper
+to distinguish the human race. Readiness
+to show kindness, and a preference of
+others' interests to her own, were virtues
+which I easily perceived in the little girl's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span>
+conduct; but one thing perplexed me sadly.
+I could not understand why a doll would
+not have answered her kind intentions as
+well as a paint-box; why could she not have
+bought the doll which she admired so much,
+and have given <em>that</em> to her brother.</p>
+
+<p>My thoughts were still engaged with this
+subject, when a boy approached the stall.
+Boys were new characters to me, and I was
+glad of the opportunity to observe one. He
+did not bestow a look on the dolls and other
+toys, but asked for a box of carpenter's tools.
+The shopkeeper dived into some hidden
+recess under the counter, and produced a
+clumsy-looking chest, the merits of which I
+could not discover; but the boy pronounced
+it to be 'just the thing,' and willingly paid
+down its price. I followed him with my
+eyes as he walked about with his great box
+under his arm, looking from side to side,
+till he caught sight of another boy rather
+younger than himself, advancing from an
+opposite corner.</p>
+
+<p>'Why, Geoffrey,' exclaimed my first friend,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span>
+'where have you been all this time? I have
+been hunting every where for you.'</p>
+
+<p>Geoffrey did not immediately answer, his
+mouth being, as I perceived, quite full.
+When at last he could open his lips, he said,
+'Will you have a cheesecake?'</p>
+
+<p>'No, thank you,' replied his friend. 'We
+must go home to dinner so soon, that you
+will scarcely have time to choose your things.
+Where <em>have</em> you been?'</p>
+
+<p>'At the pastrycook's stall,' answered
+Geoffrey; 'and I must go back again before
+I can buy any thing. I left my five shillings
+there to be changed.'</p>
+
+<p>The boys returned together to the stall,
+and I saw its mistress hand a small coin to
+Geoffrey.</p>
+
+<p>'Where is the rest?' said he.</p>
+
+<p>'That is your change, sir,' she replied.</p>
+
+<p>'Why, you don't mean that those two or
+three tarts and jellies cost four and sixpence!'
+he exclaimed, turning as red as the rosiest
+doll at my side.</p>
+
+<p>'I think you will find it correct, sir,'<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span>
+answered the shopkeeper. 'Two jellies,
+sixpence each, make one shilling; two
+custards, sixpence each, two shillings; a
+bottle of ginger-beer, threepence, two and
+threepence; one raspberry cream, sixpence,
+two and ninepence; three gooseberry tarts,
+threepence, three shillings; two strawberry
+tarts, three and twopence; two raspberry
+ditto, three and fourpence; four cheesecakes,
+three and eightpence; two Bath buns, four
+shillings; and one lemon ice, four and sixpence.'</p>
+
+<p>'What a bother!' said Geoffrey, as he
+pocketed the small remains of his fortune.
+'I wish I could give her some of the tarts
+back again, for they weren't half so nice as
+they looked, except just the first one or two.'</p>
+
+<p>'Because you were only hungry for the
+first one or two,' said the other boy. 'But
+it can't be helped now; come and spend the
+sixpence better.'</p>
+
+<p>'There won't be any thing worth buying
+for sixpence,' said Geoffrey gloomily, as he
+shuffled in a lazy manner towards my stall.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span>'I want a spade,' said he.</p>
+
+<p>Several were produced, but they cost two
+shillings or half-a-crown. There were little
+wooden spades for sixpence; but from those
+he turned with contempt, saying they were
+only fit for babies. Nothing at our table
+suited him, and he walked towards our
+opposite neighbour, who sold books, maps,
+&amp;c. On his asking for a dissected map, all
+the countries of the world were speedily
+offered to his choice; but alas! the price was
+again the obstacle. The cheapest map was
+half-a-crown; and Geoffrey's sixpence would
+buy nothing but a childish puzzle of Old
+Mother Hubbard. Geoffrey said it was a
+great shame that every thing should be either
+dear or stupid.</p>
+
+<p>'Can't you lend me some money, Ned?'
+continued he.</p>
+
+<p>'I can't, indeed,' replied the other; 'mine
+all went in this box of tools. Suppose you
+don't spend the sixpence at all now, but keep
+it till you get some more.'</p>
+
+<p>'No, I won't do that; I hate saving my
+money.'</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span>So saying, he wandered from stall to stall,
+asking the price of every thing, as if his
+purse was as full as his stomach.</p>
+
+<p>'How much is that sailor kite?' 'Two
+shillings, sir.'&mdash;'How much is that bat?'
+'Seven and sixpence.'&mdash;'How much is that
+wooden box with secret drawer?' 'Three
+shillings.'</p>
+
+<p>'How provoking!' he exclaimed. 'I want
+heaps of things, and this stupid sixpence is
+no good at all.'</p>
+
+<p>'It is better than nothing,' said Edward.
+'It is not every day that one's aunt sends
+one five shillings, to spend in the bazaar;
+and in common times sixpence is not to be
+despised. After all, there are plenty of
+things it will buy. Do you want a top?'</p>
+
+<p>'No; I've got four.'</p>
+
+<p>'Garden seeds?'</p>
+
+<p>'What is the use of them, when I can't
+get a spade?'</p>
+
+<p>'Steel pens? You said this morning you
+could not write with quills.'</p>
+
+<p>'I don't like buying those kind of things
+with my own money.'</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span>'A box? Yesterday you wanted a box.'</p>
+
+<p>'I don't care for boxes that won't lock,
+and I can't get one with a lock and key for
+sixpence.'</p>
+
+<p>'A knife?'</p>
+
+<p>'Sixpenny knives have only one blade; I
+want two.'</p>
+
+<p>'Sealing-wax? wafers? a penholder? a
+paint-box? India-rubber? pencils?'</p>
+
+<p>'Stupid things!'</p>
+
+<p>'A ball? You might have a very good
+ball.'</p>
+
+<p>'Not a cricket ball; and I don't care for
+any other.'</p>
+
+<p>'What a particular fellow you are! I am
+sure I could always find something to spend
+sixpence in. String? One is always wanting
+string. You may have a good ball of
+whipcord.'</p>
+
+<p>'These sort of places don't sell it.'</p>
+
+<p>'Then, I say again, keep your money till
+you want it.'</p>
+
+<p>'No, that I'll never do, when I came on
+purpose to spend it. After all, the only<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span>
+thing I can think of,' continued Geoffrey,
+after a pause, 'is to go back to the pastrycook's.
+There was one kind of tart I did
+not taste, and perhaps it would be nicer than
+the others. I'll give you one if you like.'</p>
+
+<p>'No, thank you; I am much obliged to
+you all the same; but I won't help you to
+spend your money in that way. Don't buy
+any more tarts. Come and walk about;
+there are plenty more shops to look at.'</p>
+
+<p>They sauntered on, but Geoffrey, by various
+turns, worked his way back to the pastrycook's;
+and as no persuasions could then
+bring him away, Edward walked off, not
+choosing, as he said, to encourage him.</p>
+
+<p>Presently I saw a tall gentleman enter the
+bazaar, and I wondered what he would buy.
+I did not then understand the difference
+between grown-up people and children, and
+as he approached my stall, I could not
+repress a hope that he would buy <em>me</em>. But
+his quick eye glanced over the tables without
+resting on any of the toys.</p>
+
+<p>'Can I show you any thing, sir?' said my
+mistress.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span>'No, I am much obliged to you,' he
+answered, with a pleasant smile. 'I am only
+in search of some young people who, I dare
+say, have been better customers than I. Ah,
+here they are,' he continued, as the two boys
+of whom I had taken so much notice ran up
+to him from different ends of the room.</p>
+
+<p>'Well, boys,' said he, 'what have you
+bought? Must we hire a wagon to carry
+your property home?'</p>
+
+<p>'Not quite,' answered Edward. 'I have
+bought a wagon-load of amusement, but I
+can carry it home well enough myself; I
+have spent all my money in this box of
+tools.'</p>
+
+<p>'A very sensible and useful purchase,'
+said the gentleman; 'they will give you
+plenty of pleasant employment. The only
+objection is, that they are likely to be lost
+or broken at school.'</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 448px;">
+<img src="images/img01.png" width="448" height="600" alt="Image 1" title="" />
+<span class="caption">Page <a href="#Page_25">25</a>.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>'I do not mean to take them to school,
+papa. I shall use them in the holidays, and
+leave them with Willy when I go back to
+school; that was one reason why I bought<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span>
+them. Willy could do a good deal of
+carpentering on his sofa.'</p>
+
+<p>'True, my boy, and a kind thought. They
+will be a great amusement to poor Willy,
+and he will take good care of them for you.'</p>
+
+<p>'Now, Geoffrey, how have you invested
+your capital? I hope you have found a
+strong spade. It is fine weather for gardening.'</p>
+
+<p>'No, I haven't,' stammered Geoffrey.</p>
+
+<p>'Well, what have you bought?'</p>
+
+<p>'I don't know,' said Geoffrey.</p>
+
+<p>'Do you mean that you have not spent
+your money yet? Make haste, then, for I
+can only allow you five minutes more. I
+expected to find you ready to go home. Be
+brisk; there is every thing on that stall that
+the heart of boy can wish,' said the gentleman,
+pointing to my abode.</p>
+
+<p>But Geoffrey did not move. 'I don't
+want any thing,' said he at last.</p>
+
+<p>'What a fortunate boy!' said the gentleman;
+but he presently added, 'Have you
+lost your money?'</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span>'No.'</p>
+
+<p>'Show it to me.'</p>
+
+<p>Geoffrey slowly produced his sixpence,
+almost hidden in the palm of his hand.</p>
+
+<p>'Where is the rest?' asked the gentleman.
+'Have you spent it?'</p>
+
+<p>'Yes.'</p>
+
+<p>'And nothing to show for it? Nothing?'&mdash;and
+the gentleman looked at the boy more
+narrowly. 'Nothing,' said he again, 'except
+a few crumbs of pie-crust on your waistcoat?
+Oh, Geoffrey!'</p>
+
+<p>There was a short silence, and the boy
+colored a good deal; at last he said, 'It was
+my own money.'</p>
+
+<p>'You will wish it was your own again
+before long, I dare say,' said the gentleman.
+'However, we must hope you will be wiser
+in time. Come home now to dinner.'</p>
+
+<p>'I don't want any dinner,' said Geoffrey.</p>
+
+<p>'Probably not, but Edward and I do. We
+have not dined on tarts; and I dare say Ned
+is as hungry as I am.'</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he led the way towards the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span>
+door, leaving me, as usual, pondering over
+what had passed. One word used by the
+gentleman made a great impression on me&mdash;<span class="smcap">Useful</span>.</p>
+
+<p>What could that mean? Various considerations
+were suggested by the question.
+Some things, it seemed, were useful, others
+not; and what puzzled me most was, that
+the very same things appeared to be useful
+to some people, and not to others. For
+instance, the sixpenny paint-box, which had
+been rejected as useless to Willy, was bought
+soon afterwards by a small boy, who said it
+would be the most useful toy he had.</p>
+
+<p>Could this be the case with every thing?
+Was it possible that every thing properly
+applied might have its use, and that its value
+depended upon those who used it? If so,
+why was Geoffrey blamed for spending his
+money in tarts? <em>He</em> liked them. Perhaps
+he had plenty of food at home, and that
+uselessness consisted in a thing's not being
+really wanted. I revolved the subject in my
+mind, and tried to discover the use of every<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span>
+thing I saw, but I was not always successful.
+The subject was perplexing; and gradually
+all my thoughts became fixed on the point
+of most importance to myself&mdash;namely, my
+own use.</p>
+
+<p>How changed were my ideas since the
+time when I imagined the world to belong
+to dolls! Their whole race now seemed to
+be of very small importance; and as for my
+individual self, I could not be sure that I
+had any use at all, and still less <em>what</em>, or <em>to
+whom</em>.</p>
+
+<p>Day after day I lay on my counter
+unnoticed, except by the shopwoman who
+covered us up at night, and re-arranged us
+in the morning; and even this she did with
+such an indifferent air, that I could not
+flatter myself I was of the smallest use to
+<em>her</em>. Every necessary care was bestowed
+upon me in common with my companions;
+but I sighed for the tender attentions that I
+sometimes saw lavished by children upon
+their dolls, and wished that my mistress
+would nurse and caress me in the same
+manner.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span>She never seemed to think of such a
+thing. She once said I was dusty, and
+whisked a brush over my face; but that
+was the only separate mark of interest I
+ever received from her. I had no reasonable
+ground of complaint, but I began to
+grow weary of the insipidity of my life,
+and to ask myself whether this could be my
+only destiny. Was I never to be of use to
+any body? From time to time other toys
+were carried away. Many a giddy top and
+lively ball left my side in childish company,
+and disappeared through those mysterious
+gates by which the busy human race entered
+our calm seclusion.</p>
+
+<p>At last even dolls had their day. The
+beautiful waxen princess no longer graced
+our dominions. She was bought by an
+elderly lady for a birthday present to a
+little grand-daughter; and on the very same
+day the 'old familiar faces' of six dolls
+who had long shared my counter vanished
+from my sight, one after another being
+bought and carried away.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span>I was sorry to lose them, though while
+we lived together we had had our little
+miffs and jealousies. I had sometimes
+thought that the one with the red shoes
+was always sticking out her toes; that she
+of the flaxen ringlets was ready to let every
+breath of wind blow them over her neighbours'
+faces; that another with long legs
+took up more room than her share, much
+to my inconvenience. But now that they
+were all gone, and I never could hope to see
+them again, I would gladly have squeezed
+myself into as small compass as the baby
+doll in the walnut-shell, in order to make
+room for them once more.</p>
+
+<p>One thing, however, was satisfactory:
+dolls certainly had their use. Seven had
+been bought, and therefore why not an
+eighth? I had been sinking almost into a
+state of despondency, but now my hopes
+revived and my spirits rose. My turn might
+come.</p>
+
+<p>And my turn did come. Every circumstance
+of that eventful day is deeply impressed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span>
+on my memory. I was as usual
+employed in making remarks upon the
+passing crowd, and wondering what might
+be the use of every body I saw, when I perceived
+the lady and the little girl who had
+been almost my first acquaintances among
+the human race. As they approached my
+stall, I heard the mama say, 'Have you
+decided what to buy with the sixpence?'</p>
+
+<p>'Oh yes, quite,' answered the child; 'I
+am going to buy a <em>sixpenny doll</em>.'</p>
+
+<p>The words thrilled through me; her eyes
+seemed fixed on mine, and the sixpence was
+between her fingers. I imagined myself
+bought. But she continued: 'I think, if
+you don't mind the trouble, I should like to
+go round the bazaar first, to see which are
+the prettiest.'</p>
+
+<p>'By all means,' replied the lady; and
+they walked on, carrying all my hopes with
+them.</p>
+
+<p>I had often fancied myself the prettiest
+doll of my size in the place; but such
+conceit would not support me now. I felt<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span>
+that there were dozens, nay scores, who
+more than equalled me; and all discontented
+notions of my neglected merit now
+sunk before the dread that I had really no
+merit to neglect.</p>
+
+<p>I began also to have some idea of what
+was meant by time. My past life had
+glided away so imperceptibly, that I did
+not know whether it had been long or
+short; but I learnt to count every moment
+while those two mortals were walking round
+the bazaar.</p>
+
+<p>I strained my eyes to catch sight of them
+again; but when at last they re-appeared,
+I scarcely dared to look, for fear of seeing
+a doll in the child's hands. But no; her
+hands were empty, except for the sixpence
+still between her finger and thumb.</p>
+
+<p>They came nearer&mdash;they stopped at
+another stall; I could not hear what they
+said, but they turned away, and once more
+stood opposite to me. The child remained
+for some moments as silent as myself, and
+then exclaimed, 'After all, Mama, I don't<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span>
+think there are any prettier dolls than these
+in the whole room.'</p>
+
+<p>'What do you say to this one, Miss?'
+said our proprietor, taking up a great full-dressed
+Dutch doll, and laying her on the
+top of those of my size and class, completely
+hiding the poor little victims under
+her stiff muslin and broad ribbons.</p>
+
+<p>But on the child's answering, 'No, thank
+you, I only want a sixpenny doll not dressed,'
+the Dutch giantess was removed, and
+we once more asserted our humble claims.</p>
+
+<p>'That seems to me a very pretty one,'
+said the mama, pointing to my next neighbour.
+The child for a moment hesitated, but
+presently exclaimed in a joyful tone, 'Oh
+no, <em>this</em> is the beauty of all; this little darling
+with the real hair and blue ribbon in
+it; I will take this one, if you please.'
+And before I could be sure that she meant
+me, I was removed from my place, wrapped
+up in paper, and consigned to her hands.
+My long-cherished wishes were fulfilled, and
+I was bought. At first I could scarcely<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span>
+believe it. Notwithstanding all my planning
+and looking forward to this event, now
+that it really happened, I could not understand
+it. My senses seemed gone. What
+had so long occupied my mind was the
+work of a moment; but that moment was
+irrevocable, and my fate was decided. In
+my little mistress' hands I passed the
+boundaries of the world of toys, and entered
+upon a new state of existence.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+
+<p>A very different life now opened before
+me. I had no longer any pretence for
+complaining of neglect. My young mistress
+devoted every spare moment to the enjoyment
+of my company, and set no limits to
+her caresses and compliments; while I in
+return regarded her with all the gratitude
+and affection which a doll can feel. My
+faculties as well as my feelings were called
+into fresh exercise; for though I had no
+longer the wide range of observation afforded
+by the daily crowd of strangers in the
+bazaar, I had the new advantage of making
+intimate acquaintance with a small circle of
+friends.</p>
+
+<p>Having hitherto been so completely without
+any position in the world, I could not
+at first help feeling rather shy at the idea of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span>
+taking my place as member of a family;
+and it was therefore a relief to find that my
+lot was not cast amongst total strangers,
+but that I had already some slight clue to
+the characters of my future companions.</p>
+
+<p>My mistress, whose name was Rose, was
+sister to the Willy for whom she had bought
+the paint-box, and also to Edward, the purchaser
+of the tools. Geoffrey, the lover of
+tarts, was a cousin on a visit to them for
+the holidays; and they had also an elder
+sister named Margaret; besides their papa
+and mama, whom I had seen in the bazaar.</p>
+
+<p>The first of the family to whom I was
+introduced was Willy, and I soon became
+much interested in him. He was a pale
+thin boy, who spent the day on a sofa, to
+and from which he was carried in the morning
+and at night. In fine weather he went
+out in a wheel-chair; but he was unable to
+move, without help, and was obliged to endure
+many privations. Though he often
+looked suffering and weary, he was cheerful
+and patient, and always seemed pleased to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span>
+hear other children describe enjoyments in
+which he could not share. Every body was
+fond of Willy, and anxious to amuse and
+comfort him. All that happened out of
+doors was told to him; all the kindest
+friends and pleasantest visitors came to see
+him; the new books were brought to him
+to read first; the best fruit and flowers
+always set apart for him; and all the in-door
+occupations arranged as much as possible
+with a view to his convenience. He
+and his little sister Rose were the dearest
+friends in the world, and certain to take part
+in whatever interested each other. As soon
+as Rose brought me home from the Pantheon,
+she ran up stairs with me to Willy,
+whom I then saw for the first time, sitting
+on the sofa with his feet up, and a table
+before him, on which stood several books,
+and my old acquaintances the paint-box and
+the chest of tools.</p>
+
+<p>'Look at this, Willy; is not this pretty?'
+exclaimed Rose, laying me down on his open
+book.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span>Willy looked up with a pleasant smile:
+'Very pretty,' he answered. 'I suppose
+she is to be the lady of the new house; and
+with Ned's tools, I hope to make some furniture
+worth her acceptance.'</p>
+
+<p>'Oh, thank you, Willy dear. And will
+you help me to choose a name for her?
+What do you think the prettiest name you
+know?'</p>
+
+<p>'<em>Rose</em>,' answered Willy, laughing; 'but
+I suppose that will not do. I dare say you
+want something very fine and out-of-the-way.'</p>
+
+<p>'As fine as can be,' replied Rose; 'I
+have been thinking of Seraphina or Wilhelmina:
+which do you like best?'</p>
+
+<p>'Call it Molly,' cried Edward, who just
+then entered the room; 'Molly and Betty
+are the best names: no nonsense in them.'</p>
+
+<p>'Call it Stupid Donkey,' mumbled a
+voice behind him; and Geoffrey advanced,
+his mouth as usual full of something besides
+words. 'Have any nuts, Willy?' he
+asked, holding out a handful.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>'No, thank you,' answered Willy; 'I
+must not eat them.'</p>
+
+<p>'I wouldn't be you, I know,' said Geoffrey,
+cracking one between his teeth; 'never
+let to eat any thing but what's wholesome,
+and always reading, or doing something stupid.
+I believe you are helping Rose to play
+with that doll now. Put it into the fire;
+that is the way to treat dolls. Stupid
+things. I hate 'em!'</p>
+
+<p>'Pray do not touch it, Geoffrey,' said
+Rose.</p>
+
+<p>'Leave it alone, Geff,' said Edward.
+'You have your things, and Rose has hers.
+I don't see the fun of dolls myself, but she
+does, and nobody shall interfere with her
+while I am here to protect her. Just remember
+that, will you?'</p>
+
+<p>'The d-o-ll!' said Geoffrey, drawling
+the word, and making a face as if the pronouncing
+it turned him quite sick. 'Oh,
+the sweet doll! Perhaps you would like to
+stay and play with Rose, and Willy, and the
+d-o-ll, instead of coming out to cricket.'</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span>'Nonsense, you foolish fellow, you know
+better,' answered Edward. 'But I won't
+have Rose bullied; and what's more, I won't
+have Willy quizzed. I should like to see
+you or me pass such an examination as
+Willy could if he were at school. Why, he
+can learn as much in a day as we do in a
+week.'</p>
+
+<p>'Well, he is welcome to learn as much
+as he likes,' said Geoffrey; 'and let's you
+and I go and play. What stupid nuts these
+are! I've almost cracked one of my teeth
+with cracking them.'</p>
+
+<p>The boys ran off; and presently there
+came into the room the papa and mama,
+whom I already knew, and a young lady
+very like Rose, but older. I found she was
+Margaret, the eldest sister. They inquired
+whether Willy wanted any thing before they
+went out; and Margaret fetched a drawing
+that he wished to copy, while his father and
+mother wheeled his sofa and table nearer
+the window, that he might have more light.
+When he was made quite comfortable, they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span>
+told Rose that she might stay and take care
+of him till they returned; and she said she
+would bring her box of scraps and begin
+dressing me. Then I came in for my share
+of notice, and had every reason to be satisfied
+with the praises bestowed on me. The
+mama said that I deserved very neatly-made
+clothes; the papa, that my hair would be a
+pattern for Margaret's; and Margaret said
+I was charming, and that she would make
+me a pink satin gown.</p>
+
+<p>They admired the name <em>Seraphina</em>, though
+the papa suggested various others which he
+thought might suit Rose's taste,&mdash;Sophonisba,
+Cleopatra, Araminta, Dulcinea, Ethelinda,
+&amp;c.; but as she remained steady to
+her first choice, the <span class="smcap">Lady Seraphina</span> was
+decided to be thenceforth my name and
+title.</p>
+
+<p>And now began the real business of my
+life. I was no longer doomed to fret at
+being of no use, for the object of my existence
+was plain enough, namely, to give
+innocent recreation to my young mistress<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span>
+when at leisure from her more serious
+employments. Every day she spent some
+hours in study with her mother or sister;
+and she would fly to me for relief between
+her lessons, and return to them with more
+vigor after passing a little time in my
+refreshing company. She often showed her
+tasks to me, and discussed their difficulties.
+I think she repeated the multiplication-table
+to me nearly a hundred times, while
+I sat on the <em>Tutor's Assistant</em> waiting for
+the recurrence of the fatal words, 'Seven
+times nine.' Day after day she could get
+no farther; but as soon as she came to
+'Seven times nine,' I was turned off the
+book, which had to be consulted for the
+answer.</p>
+
+<p>At last, one day she came running into
+the room in great glee, exclaiming, 'I have
+done the multiplication-table. I have said
+it quite right, sixty-three and all. I made
+no mistake even in dodging. And <em>you</em>
+helped me, my darling Lady Seraphina.
+I never could have learned it perfect if<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span>
+you had not heard me say it so often. And
+now, look at your rewards. Margaret has
+made you a bonnet, and Willy has made
+you an arm-chair.'</p>
+
+<p>Beautiful, indeed, was the bonnet, and
+commodious the arm-chair; and I wore the
+one and reclined in the other all the time
+Rose was learning the French auxiliary
+verbs <em>&ecirc;tre</em> and <em>avoir</em>. I flattered myself I
+was of as much use in them as in the
+multiplication-table; but I do not recollect
+receiving any particular recompense. Indeed,
+after a little time, it would have been
+difficult to know what to give me, for I
+possessed every thing that a doll's heart
+could wish, or her head imagine. Such a
+variety of elegant dresses as Rose made for
+me would have been the envy of all my old
+friends in the bazaar. I had gowns of pink
+satin and white satin; blue silk and yellow
+silk; colored muslins without number, and
+splendid white lace. Bonnets enough to
+furnish a milliner's shop were mine; but I
+was not so partial to them as to my gowns,
+because they tumbled my hair.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span>I believe a good many of my possessions
+were presents from Margaret to Rose on
+account of perfect lessons; but in course of
+time, I ceased to superintend Rose's studies.
+Margaret said that I interrupted the course
+of history; and the mama said that Rose
+was old enough to learn her lessons without
+bringing her play into them, and that I
+must be put away during school hours.</p>
+
+<p>Though I did not think that the fault
+was altogether mine, I quite acquiesced
+in the wisdom of this decree; for during
+Rose's last reading-lesson she had stopped
+so often to ask me which I liked best,
+Lycurgus or Solon, Pericles or Alcibiades,
+&amp;c., that Margaret was almost out of patience.
+And though I made no answer,
+and had really no choice at all between
+the characters, I felt that I rather hindered
+business.</p>
+
+<p>I was therefore now left to myself for
+several hours in the morning; but I found
+ample and pleasant employment in surveying
+the comforts and beauties of my habitation.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span>
+For I was not forced to perform the
+part of an insignificant pigmy in the vast
+abodes of the colossal race of man: I possessed
+a beautiful little house proportioned
+to my size, pleasantly situated on a table in
+the furthest corner of the schoolroom, and
+commanding an extensive view of the whole
+apartment.</p>
+
+<p>I must describe my house at full length.
+It had been originally, as I heard, a mere
+rough packing-case; but what of that?
+The best brick house in London was once
+but clay in the fields; and my packing-case
+was now painted outside and papered inside,
+and fitted up in a manner every way suitable
+for the occupation of a doll of distinction.</p>
+
+<p>My drawing-room was charming; light
+and cheerful, the walls papered with white
+and gold, and the floor covered with a drab
+carpet worked with flowers of every hue.
+Rose worked the carpet herself under the
+directions of Margaret, who prevailed on
+her to learn worsted-work for my sake. So<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span>
+there, again, how useful I was! From the
+ceiling hung a brilliant glass chandelier, a
+birthday present from Edward to Rose; and
+the mantel-piece was adorned by a splendid
+mirror cut out of a broken looking-glass by
+Willy, and framed by his hands. I cannot
+say that Willy ever seemed to care for me
+personally, but he took considerable interest
+in my upholstery, and much of my handsomest
+furniture was manufactured by him.
+He made my dining-room and drawing-room
+tables; the frames of my chairs,
+which were covered with silk by Margaret;
+my sofa, and my four-post bedstead; and it
+was he who painted the floor-cloth in my
+hall, and the capital picture of the Queen
+and Prince Albert which hung over the
+dining-room chimney-piece. I had a snug
+bed-room, containing a bed with pink curtains,
+a toilette-table, with a handsome
+looking-glass, pincushion, and rather large
+brush and comb; a washing-stand, towel-horse,
+chest of drawers, and wardrobe.
+But the last two, I must confess, were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span>
+rather for show than for use. They were
+French-polished, and in appearance convenient
+as well as handsome, but in reality
+too small to hold my clothes. A few minor
+articles of dress were kept in them; but
+the mass of my gorgeous attire was always
+in larger boxes and trunks belonging to my
+mistress; her work-box, for instance, and at
+one time her desk; but her mama turned
+all my gowns out of the latter when she
+banished me from the lessons, and desired
+that, for the future, only writing materials
+should be kept in it. 'Every thing in
+its proper place, Rose,' I heard her say.
+'You have plenty of little boxes for doll's
+clothes; and your doll ought to teach you
+to be more tidy instead of less so.'</p>
+
+<p>My dining-room was well adapted for all
+the purposes of hospitality, being furnished
+with a substantial dining-table, chairs, and
+a sideboard, on which there always stood
+two trays, one filled with decanters and
+wine-glasses, and the other with knives
+and forks.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span>My kitchen was resplendent with saucepans,
+kettles, pots and pans, and plates and
+dishes, ranged upon the dresser, or hung
+from the walls. A joint of meat was
+always roasting before the fire, and a cook
+of my own race appeared to spend her life
+in basting it, for I never failed to find her
+thus employed when Rose was so kind as
+to take me into my kitchen. There was also
+a footman, who sat for ever in the hall; and
+I was inclined to consider him rather wanting
+in respect, till I discovered that, owing
+to a broken leg, he was unable to stand.
+I did not quite comprehend the use of my
+servants, as Rose herself did all the work
+of my house; but she said they were indispensable,
+and that if it were not for want
+of room, I should have a great many more.</p>
+
+<p>Besides all these arrangements for my
+comfort in-doors, I possessed a beautiful
+open phaeton, emblazoned with the royal
+arms of England, and drawn by four piebald
+horses with long tails, so spirited that
+they never left off prancing. Every day,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span>
+after school-time, Rose brought this equipage
+to my door; and the four horses stood
+with their eight front feet in the air while
+I was dressed for my drive. Then, attired
+in my last new bonnet and cloak, I sat in
+state in my carriage, and was drawn round
+and round the room by Rose, till she said
+I was tired. She made many attempts to
+persuade the lame footman to stand on the
+footboard behind, but she never could manage
+it. He was a very helpless creature;
+and I am not quite certain that he even
+did his best, little as that might be. The
+first time Rose set him up behind the carriage,
+he tumbled head over heels into the
+middle of it, and stood there on his head
+till she picked him out again. Then he fell
+off behind, then on one side, and then on
+the other, till she was quite tired of his
+foolish tricks, and left him to sit quietly
+and stupidly in his old place in the hall.</p>
+
+<p>I lived in great comfort in my pleasant
+house, and being of a cheerful, contented
+temper, never felt lonely, although left to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span>
+myself during great part of the day; for
+Rose was very obedient to her Mama's orders,
+and even if now and then tempted to forget
+the regulation herself, Willy was always at
+hand to remind her, and help to fix her
+attention on her business. But when it was
+all over, she flew to me with redoubled
+pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>One day she said to me, 'My dear Seraphina,
+I am afraid you must be very dull,
+alone all the morning.' I longed to assure
+her of the contrary; but not having the gift
+of speech, I could only listen submissively
+while she continued: 'It is a pity that you
+should sit doing nothing and wasting your
+time; so I have brought you some books,
+which you are to read while I am at my
+lessons; and I shall expect you to learn just
+as much as I do.'</p>
+
+<p>So saying, she seated me on my sofa, and
+placing a table with the books before me,
+'Look,' continued she, 'I have made them
+for you myself, and covered them with these
+pretty red and green papers. This is your<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span>
+English History, and this is your French
+Grammar; and here is a Geography Book,
+and here is a History of Rome. Now read
+attentively, and do not let your thoughts
+wander; and be very careful not to dogs-ear
+the leaves: that always looks like a dunce.
+And mind you sit upright,' added she, looking
+back, as she left the room in obedience
+to a summons from her sister.</p>
+
+<p>I obeyed to the best of my power. To be
+sure, I did not know which was geography
+and which was grammar; and English and
+Roman history were both alike to me. But
+I did as I was bid. I sat upright in the
+place appointed me, staring as hard as I
+could at the open pages; and my worst
+enemy could not accuse me of dogs-earing a
+single leaf.</p>
+
+<p>When my mistress returned, she pleased
+me much by calling me a very good girl, and
+saying that if I continued to take so much
+pains, I could not fail to improve. On hearing
+this, Willy laughed, and said he hoped
+that that was a duplicate of Margaret's last<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span>
+speech; and Rose looked very happy, and
+answered that not only Margaret, but Mama
+had said the same.</p>
+
+<p>This was not my only duplicate of Rose's
+adventures. My education appeared to be
+conducted precisely on the same plan as her
+own. Before long, she brought a little pianoforte
+and set it up in my drawing-room. I
+thought it rather hid the pretty paper, but
+it was a handsome piece of furniture.</p>
+
+<p>'Now, Lady Seraphina,' said Rose, 'I am
+obliged to practise for an hour every day,
+and you must do the same. See what a
+pretty piano I have given you. You need
+not mind its being meant for a housewife
+and pincushion; the notes are marked, and
+that is all you want. Now practise your
+scales, and be very careful to play right notes
+and count your time.'</p>
+
+<p>I sat at my piano with all due diligence,
+but I am sorry to say that my progress did
+not seem satisfactory. One day Rose said
+that she was sure I had forgotten to count;
+and another day, that I hurried the easy<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span>
+bars and slackened the difficult ones; then
+she accused me of not caring whether I
+played right notes or wrong, and torturing
+her ear by my false chords; then I banged
+the notes till I broke the strings: in short,
+there was no end to her complaints, till at
+last she wound them all up by declaring
+that both she and I hated music, and that if
+Mama and Margaret would take her advice,
+we should both leave it off.</p>
+
+<p>But still I practised regularly, and so, I
+suppose, did Rose; and gradually her reproaches
+diminished, and she grew more
+contented with me; and we both persevered,
+till she said that really, after all, I seemed to
+have a good ear, and to be likely to make a
+very respectable player.</p>
+
+<p>'But you know it all depends upon yourself,
+Seraphina; your present improvement
+is the result of pains and practice. Pains
+and practice will do any thing.'</p>
+
+<p>It was fortunate for me that I had so
+careful a superintendent as Rose; for unless
+she had kept a constant watch over me, there<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>
+is no saying how many awkward habits I
+might unconsciously have contracted. But
+she cured me of poking my head forward, of
+standing on one leg, of tilting my chair, of
+meddling with things that were not my own,
+of leaning against the furniture while I was
+speaking, of putting my elbows on the table,
+of biting my nails, of spilling my tea, and of
+making crumbs on the floor.</p>
+
+<p>I cannot say I was myself aware either of
+the faults or their cure; but I think one
+seldom does notice one's own faults, and
+therefore it is a great advantage to have kind
+friends who will point them out to us. I
+believed Rose when she told me of mine; so
+I had a right to believe her when she gave
+me the agreeable assurance of their cure, and
+to indulge the hope that I was becoming a
+pleasing, well-bred little doll.</p>
+
+<p>On one mortifying occasion, however, I
+must own that Rose's anxiety for my always
+following in her steps was the cause of a
+serious injury to me. She remarked that I
+had got into a horrid way of kicking off my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span>
+shoes while I was learning my poetry; and
+she thought the best cure would be to make
+me wear sandals. I observed that she was
+sewing sandals to her own shoes at the time,
+and she consulted Willy about some means
+of doing the same by mine. Willy held me
+head downwards, and examined my feet.
+My shoes were painted, therefore sewing was
+out of the question. He advised glue. This
+was tried, but it came through the thin narrow
+ribbon of which my sandals were to be
+made, and looked very dirty. They were
+taken off; but the operation had spoilt the
+delicacy of my white stockings, and Rose
+said it was impossible to let me go such an
+untidy figure; we must try some other way.
+She asked Willy to lend her a gimlet, that
+she might bore holes at the sides of my feet,
+and glue the ribbon into them, so as not to
+show the glue. Willy said she was welcome
+to the gimlet, but that he advised her to
+leave it alone, for that she would only break
+my feet. But Rose would not be dissuaded,
+and began boring.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span>It was on this occasion that I most peculiarly
+felt the advantage of that insensibility
+to pain which distinguishes my race. What
+mortal could have borne such an infliction
+without struggling and screaming? I, on
+the contrary, took it all in good part, and
+showed no signs of feeling even at the fatal
+moment when my foot snapped in two, and
+Rose, with a face of utter dismay, held up
+my own toes before my eyes.</p>
+
+<p>'Oh, my poor Seraphina!' she exclaimed,
+'what shall we do?'</p>
+
+<p>'Glue it on again,' said Willy. 'You had
+better have taken my advice at first, but now
+you must make the best of it. Glue is your
+only friend.'</p>
+
+<p>So Rose glued the halves of my foot
+together, lamenting over me, and blaming
+herself so much all the time, that it seemed
+rather a comfort to her when Margaret,
+coming into the room, agreed with her that
+she had been foolish and awkward. Margaret
+said that ribbon might have been tied over
+my feet from the first, without using glue or<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span>
+gimlet either; and Rose called herself more
+stupid than ever, for not having thought of
+such an easy contrivance.</p>
+
+<p>My foot was glued, and for the purpose of
+standing, answered as well as ever; and Rose
+sewed me up in a pair of blue silk boots, and
+declared that I was prettier than before; and
+my misfortune was soon forgotten by every
+body but myself. I, however, could not but
+feel a misgiving that this was the first warning
+of my share in the invariable fate of my
+race. For I had already lived long enough
+to be aware that the existence of a doll, like
+that of every thing else, has its limits.
+Either by sudden accidents, such as loss of
+limbs, or by the daily wear and tear of life,
+decay gradually makes its progress in us, and
+we fade away as surely as the most delicate
+of the fragile race of mortals.</p>
+
+<p>Though the fracture of my foot was my
+own first misfortune, I had had opportunities
+of remarking the casualties to which dolls
+are liable. For it is not to be supposed that
+our devotion to human beings precludes us<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span>
+from cultivating the society of our own
+species. Dolls will be dolls; and they have
+a natural sympathy with each other, notwithstanding
+the companionship of the race of
+man. Most little girls are aware of this fact,
+and provide suitable society for their dolls.
+I myself had a large circle of silent acquaintances,
+to whom I was introduced by Rose's
+kindness and consideration. When other
+little girls came to drink tea with her, they
+often brought their dolls to spend the evening
+with me; and among them I had more
+than once the pleasure of recognising an old
+friend from the bazaar.</p>
+
+<p>Then I was in my glory. There was a
+constant supply of provisions in my larder;
+and at a moment's notice Rose would produce
+an excellent dinner, all ready cooked,
+and dished in a beautiful little china dinner-service.
+Willy compared her to the genius
+of Aladdin's lamp; and though I did not
+know what that might mean, I quite understood
+the advantage of being able to set such
+a banquet before my friends. I could always<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span>
+command salmon, a pair of soles, a leg of
+mutton, a leg of pork, a turkey, a pair of
+boiled fowls, a ham, a sucking pig, a hare, a
+loaf of bread, a fine Cheshire cheese, several
+pies, and a great variety of fruit, which was
+always ripe and in season, winter or summer.
+Rose's papa once observed that his hothouse
+produced none so fine; for the currants were
+as large as apples, and two cherries filled a
+dish.</p>
+
+<p>Rose and her companions performed the
+active duties of waiting at table on these
+occasions; but the lame footman was generally
+brought out of the hall, and propped up
+against the sideboard, where he stood looking
+respectable but awkward.</p>
+
+<p>At these pleasant parties I saw a great
+range of characters, for Rose's young visitors
+were various in their tastes, and their dolls
+used to be dressed in every known costume.
+Besides plenty of pretty English damsels, I
+was introduced now to a Turkish sultana,
+now to a Swiss peasant; one day to a captain
+in the British army, another day to an Indian<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span>
+rajah. One young lady liked to make her
+dolls personate celebrated characters; and
+when she visited us, most distinguished
+guests graced my table. I have had the
+honor of receiving the Queen and Prince
+Albert themselves; the Duke of Wellington,
+Sir Walter Scott, and Miss Edgeworth, have
+all dined with me on the same day, and
+Robinson Crusoe came in the evening.</p>
+
+<p>But it was at these social meetings that I
+became most fully aware of the liability of
+dolls to loss of limbs. I never remember
+giving a party at which the guests could
+boast of possessing all their legs and arms.
+Many an ingenious contrivance hid or supplied
+the deficiencies, and we were happy in
+spite of our losses; still, such was the case:
+and I saw that dolls, however beloved and
+respected, could not last for ever.</p>
+
+<p>For some time after my accident I had no
+particular adventures. I lived in peace and
+plenty, and amused myself with watching
+the family. They were all amiable and easy
+to understand, except Geoffrey; but he was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span>
+a complete puzzle to me, and it was long
+before I could make out why he was so
+different from the rest.</p>
+
+<p>The others all seemed to like to help and
+please one another, but Geoffrey never
+seemed happy unless he was making himself
+disagreeable. If Willy was interested in a
+book, he was obliged to sit upon the second
+volume, or Geoffrey would be sure to run
+away with it. If Edward was in a hurry to
+go out, Geoffrey would hide his cap, and
+keep him a quarter of an hour hunting for
+it. The girls dared not leave their worsted-work
+within his reach for a moment; for he
+would unravel the canvass, or chop up the
+wool, or go on with the work after a pattern
+of his own composing, so that they would be
+obliged to spend half an hour in unpicking
+his cobbling.</p>
+
+<p>Margaret remonstrated with him in private,
+and made excuses for him in public, and did
+her best to prevent his tiresome tricks from
+annoying Willy; Edward tried rougher
+means of keeping him in order, which sometimes<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span>
+succeeded; but still he could find
+plenty of opportunities of being a torment:
+people always can when such is their taste.</p>
+
+<p>One day Margaret was keeping Willy
+company, while the rest of the party were
+gone to the Zoological Gardens. She had
+brought a drawing to finish, as he liked to
+see her draw, and was sometimes useful in
+suggesting improvements. But while they
+were thus employed, Margaret was summoned
+to some visitors, and went away,
+saying that her drawing would just have
+time to dry before she returned.</p>
+
+<p>But unfortunately, during her absence,
+Geoffrey came home. He had grown tired
+of the Gardens, which he had seen very often,
+and rather hungry, as he generally was; so
+after amusing himself by eating the cakes
+he had bought for the bear, he had nothing
+more to do, and tried to persuade his cousins
+to be tired also. But Edward was making
+himself agreeable to the monkeys, Rose was
+cultivating the friendship of the elephant,
+and their Papa and Mama were waiting to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span>
+see the hippopotamus bathe; so that Geoffrey's
+proposals of leaving the Gardens were
+scouted, and he could only obtain leave from
+his uncle to go home by himself.</p>
+
+<p>He entered the room, as usual, with his
+mouth full, having spent his last penny in a
+piece of cocoanut as he came along the
+streets. While the cocoanut lasted, he was
+employed to his satisfaction; but when that
+was finished, he was again at a loss for something
+to do. He tried walking round the
+room on one leg, working heel and toe, and
+that succeeded very well, and did no harm
+till he unluckily came to the drawing-table,
+when he immediately brought himself to a
+stand on both feet.</p>
+
+<p>'Hallo!' cried he, 'here's a daub! Is this
+your splendid performance, Will?'</p>
+
+<p>'No,' replied Willy, 'it is Margaret's; and
+mind you don't touch it by accident, because
+it is wet.'</p>
+
+<p>'Touch it by accident!' exclaimed Geoffrey;
+'I am going to touch it on purpose.
+I wonder Margaret is not ashamed to do it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span>
+so badly. I'll improve it for her. How kind
+of me!'</p>
+
+<p>Poor Willy, in dismay, tried to secure the
+drawing, but he could not move from his
+sofa, and Geoffrey danced round him, holding
+it at arm's-length. Then Willy caught at
+the bell-rope, but his mischievous cousin
+snatched it quicker, and tied it up out of his
+reach. Willy called all the servants as loud
+as he could, but no one was within hearing;
+and he threw himself back on his sofa, in
+despair, exclaiming, 'How can you be so ill-natured,
+when Margaret is always so kind
+to you?'</p>
+
+<p>'Ill-natured!' answered the other; 'I'm
+doing her a favor. She admired the moonlight
+in the Diorama; now I shall make just
+such a moon in her drawing.' And while
+he spoke, a great yellow moon, like a guinea,
+rose in the midst of poor Margaret's brilliant
+sunset.</p>
+
+<p>'That's the thing,' said Geoffrey; 'and
+now I shall put the cow jumping over it,
+and the little dog laughing to see such sport.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span>
+Some figures always improve the foreground.'</p>
+
+<p>'Oh, you have quite spoilt it!' cried Willy.
+'How I wish I could stop you! I cannot
+imagine how you can like to be so mischievous
+and disagreeable. Oh, if Margaret
+would but come back.'</p>
+
+<p>At last Margaret came, and the troublesome
+Geoffrey expected great amusement
+from her displeasure; but he was disappointed.
+Margaret was one of those generous
+people who never resent an injury done
+to themselves. If Geoffrey had spoilt any
+body else's drawing, she would have been
+the first to punish him; but now she was
+much more vexed at Willy's distress than at
+the destruction of her own work, and instead
+of scolding Geoffrey, she gave herself up to
+consoling Willy. She assured him that there
+was no great harm done. She said the drawing
+was good for very little, and that she
+would copy it and improve it so much that
+he should be quite glad of the disaster; and
+she made a present of the spoilt drawing to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span>
+Geoffrey, telling him she was sure he would
+one day be ashamed of so foolish a performance,
+but that meanwhile he might keep it
+as a specimen of his taste. He had not the
+manners to apologize, but he looked very
+silly and crest-fallen, and left the room in
+silence, with the drawing in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>When he was gone, Willy exclaimed, 'If
+it were not for losing Edward, I should wish
+the holidays were over; Geoffrey is so disagreeable.'</p>
+
+<p>'He is very thoughtless,' Margaret replied;
+'but we must not be too hard upon him.
+Let us recollect that he has no parents to
+teach him better, nor brothers and sisters to
+call forth his consideration for others. Poor
+Geoffrey has had neither example nor precept
+till now. But now Papa and Mama
+give him good precepts; and if we try to set
+him good examples, perhaps we may help
+him to improve.'</p>
+
+<p>'Well, I'll hope for the best, and do what
+I can,' said Willy. 'Certainly he has some
+good qualities. He is as brave as a lion;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span>
+and he is good-natured about giving away
+his own things, though he is so mischievous
+with other people's.'</p>
+
+<p>'And he is clever in his way, notwithstanding
+his idleness,' added Margaret. 'Those
+foolish figures that he put into my drawing
+were uncommonly well done, though they
+were provoking to us.'</p>
+
+<p>'You are the best girl in the world,' said
+Willy; 'and if you think Geoffrey will
+improve, I'll think so too; but you must
+own there is room for it.'</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps Geoffrey did improve, but it
+seemed slow work, faults being more easily
+acquired than cured; and for a long time I
+could perceive no difference in him. Indeed,
+as his next piece of mischief concerned myself,
+I thought him worse than ever.</p>
+
+<p>I have often wondered at the extreme
+dislike which boys have to dolls. I was the
+most inoffensive creature possible, giving
+myself no airs, and interfering with nobody;
+yet even the gentle Willy was indifferent to
+me. Edward, though he protected Rose in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span>
+her patronage of me, despised me thoroughly
+himself; and Geoffrey never lost an opportunity
+of expressing his mortal hatred to
+me. I shrunk from Edward's contemptuous
+notice, but I was not at all afraid of him,
+well knowing that neither he nor Willy
+would hurt a hair of my head; but whenever
+Geoffrey came into the room, terror seized
+my mind. He never passed my house without
+making all kinds of ugly faces at me;
+and I felt instinctively that nothing but the
+presence of the other boys restrained him
+from doing me any harm in his power.</p>
+
+<p>I had hitherto never been alone with him,
+but at last the fatal moment arrived. One
+fine afternoon, Willy went out for a drive
+in his wheel-chair, Edward insisting upon
+drawing it himself, and the two girls walking
+on each side. Geoffrey accompanied them,
+intending to walk with them part of the way,
+and to go on by himself when he was tired
+of the slow pace of the chair. All seemed
+safe, and I hoped to enjoy a few hours of
+uninterrupted leisure. I always liked having<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span>
+my time to myself; and as Rose had set
+me no lessons, I reposed comfortably in my
+arm-chair by a blazing fire of black and red
+cloth, from the glare of which I was sheltered
+by a screen. My dog sat at my side,
+my cat lay at my feet, and I was as happy
+as a doll could be.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the silence was broken by a
+sound as of a turkey gabbling in the hall;
+presently this changed to a duck quacking
+on the stairs; then a cock crew on the landing-place,
+and a goose hissed close to the
+schoolroom door. I guessed but too well
+what these ominous sounds portended, and
+my heart sunk within me as the door burst
+open, and my dreaded enemy banged into
+the room.</p>
+
+<p>'Why, they are not come home yet!'
+exclaimed he; 'so my talents have been
+wasted. I meant to have made them bid me
+not make every different noise. When they
+said, "Don't hiss," I would have crowed; and
+when they said, "Don't crow," I would have
+quacked, or barked, or bellowed, or mewed,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span>
+till I had gone through all the noises I
+know. Now I have nothing to do.'</p>
+
+<p>He walked to the window and looked out.</p>
+
+<p>'What a stupid street it is!' said he. 'If
+my uncle had not taken away my squirt, I
+would squirt at the people.'</p>
+
+<p>Then he yawned, and sauntered to the
+bookcase. 'What stupid books! I wonder
+any body can write them. I wish Edward
+had left his tools out; I should like to plane
+the top of the shelf. How stupid it is having
+nothing to do!'</p>
+
+<p>As he spoke, I shuddered to see him
+approaching my end of the room. He came
+nearer; he made a full stop in front of me,
+and looked me in the face.</p>
+
+<p>'You stupid, ugly thing,' he exclaimed,
+'don't stare so. I hate to have a doll's eyes
+goggling at me.'</p>
+
+<p>Gladly would I have withdrawn my eyes,
+if possible. But they had been painted wide
+open, and what could I do? I never was
+so ashamed of them in my life; but I had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span>
+no control over them, so I stared on, and he
+grew more indignant.</p>
+
+<p>'If you don't leave off,' he cried, 'I'll poke
+out your eyes, as I did those of the ugly
+picture in my room. I won't be stared at.'</p>
+
+<p>I longed for the gift of speech to represent
+to him, that if he would but leave off looking
+at me, I should give him no offence; but
+alas, I was silent, and could only stare as
+hard as ever.</p>
+
+<p>'Oh, you will, will you?' said he 'then I
+know what I'll do: I'll hang you.'</p>
+
+<p>In vain I hoped for the return of the rest
+of the party. I listened anxiously for every
+sound, but no friendly step or voice was near,
+and I was completely in his power.</p>
+
+<p>He began rummaging his pockets, grinning
+and making faces at me all the time.
+Presently he drew forth a long piece of
+string, extremely dirty, looking as if it had
+been trailed in the mud.</p>
+
+<p>'Now for it,' he exclaimed; 'now you
+shall receive the reward of all your stupidity
+and affectation. I do think dolls are the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span>
+most affected creatures on the face of the
+earth.'</p>
+
+<p>He laid hold of me by my head, pushing
+my wig on one side. Alas for my beautiful
+hair, it was disarranged for ever! But that
+was a trifle compared with what followed.
+He tied one end of his muddy string round
+my neck, drawing it so tight that I foresaw
+I should be marked for life, and hung the
+other end to a nail in the wall.</p>
+
+<p>There I dangled, while he laughed and
+quizzed me, adding insult to injury. He
+twisted the string as tight as possible, and
+then let it whirl round and round till it was
+all untwisted again. I banged against the
+wall as I spun like a top, and wished that I
+could sleep like a top too. But I was wide
+awake to my misfortunes; and each interval
+of stillness, when the string was untwisted,
+only enhanced them, by showing in painful
+contrast the happy home whence I had been
+torn. For I was hung on the wall directly
+opposite my own house; and from my
+wretched nail I could distinguish every<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span>
+room in it. Between my twirls I saw my
+pretty drawing-room, with its comfortable
+arm-chair now vacant; and my convenient
+kitchen, with my respectable cook peacefully
+basting her perpetual mutton; I envied even
+my lame footman quietly seated in his chimney-corner,
+and felt that I had never truly
+valued the advantages of my home till now.
+Would they ever be restored to me? Should
+I once again be under the protection of my
+kind and gentle mistress, or was I Geoffrey's
+slave for ever?</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 452px;">
+<img src="images/img02.png" width="452" height="600" alt="Image 2" title="" />
+<span class="caption">Page <a href="#Page_72">72</a>.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>These melancholy thoughts were interrupted
+by a step on the stairs. 'Hallo!'
+cried Geoffrey, 'who would have thought of
+their coming home just now?' and he was
+going to lift me down from my nail; but
+when the door opened, the housemaid came
+in alone, and he changed his mind.</p>
+
+<p>'Why, Master Geoffrey,' said she, 'what
+are you doing here all alone? Some mischief,
+I'll be bound.'</p>
+
+<p>'Bow, wow, wow,' answered he, dancing
+and playing all sorts of antics to prevent her
+seeing me.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span>'Come,' said she, 'those tricks won't go
+down with me. The more lively you are,
+the more I know you've been after something
+you ought to have let alone.'</p>
+
+<p>'Hee haw, hee haw,' said Geoffrey, twitching
+her gown, and braying like a donkey.</p>
+
+<p>'Well, you're speaking in your own voice
+at last,' said she, laughing. 'But let go of
+my gown, if you please; you are big enough
+to walk by yourself, and I want to set the
+room to rights. There's some young ladies
+coming to tea with Miss Rose.'</p>
+
+<p>She bustled about, dusting and putting
+every thing in order, and talking all the
+time, partly to Geoffrey and partly to herself,
+about the blacks that came in at the windows,
+and made a place want dusting a dozen times
+a day, when her eye fell on my unfortunate
+figure, which my persecutor had just set
+swinging like the pendulum of a clock. I
+was a deplorable object. He had forced me
+into the most awkward attitude he could
+invent. My arms were turned round in their
+sockets, one stretched towards the ceiling,
+the other at full length on one side. I was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span>
+forced to kick one leg out in front, and the
+other behind; and my knees were bent up
+the wrong way. My wig had fallen off
+altogether from my head, and was now
+perched upon my toe. I was still swinging,
+when Sarah caught sight of me. She looked
+at me for a moment, and then turned round,
+opening her eyes at Geoffrey much wider
+than I had ever done.</p>
+
+<p>'Why, you audacious, aggravating boy!'
+she exclaimed, making a dash at him with
+her duster; but he ran away laughing, and
+she was obliged to finish her speech to
+herself.</p>
+
+<p>'To think of his being so mischievous
+and ill-natured! What will poor Miss Rose
+say! To be sure, there is nothing boys
+won't do; their equals for perverseness
+don't walk the earth. Though I ought not
+to speak against them, while there's Master
+William and Master Edward to contradict
+me. They are boys, to be sure; but as for
+that Geoffrey!' And here she shook her
+head in silence, as if Geoffrey's delinquencies
+were beyond the power of words to express.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span>She then released me; and after restoring
+my limbs to their proper position, and
+smoothing my discomposed dress, she laid
+me gently on my bed, and placed my wig
+on my pillow beside me, with many kind
+expressions of pity and good-will.</p>
+
+<p>Repose was indeed needful after so agitating
+an adventure; and I was glad to be
+left quiet till the young people came in
+from their walk. I composed my ruffled
+spirits as well as I could; but I found it
+impossible not to be nervous at the idea of
+Rose's first seeing me in such a plight, and
+I anxiously awaited her return. They came
+in at last, Rose, Willy, and Margaret; and
+after establishing Willy on his sofa, Rose's
+next care was to visit me. 'O Willy! O Margaret!'
+she exclaimed, and burst into tears.</p>
+
+<p>'What is the matter, my darling?' asked
+Margaret.</p>
+
+<p>Rose could not answer; but Sarah was
+there to tell the story, and do ample justice
+to my wrongs. Yet I could not help observing,
+in the midst of all her indignation,
+the difference of her manner towards her<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span>
+present hearers and towards Geoffrey. She
+never seemed on familiar terms with Willy,
+much less with Margaret or Rose. She
+neither cut jokes nor used rough language
+to them, but treated them with the respect
+due to her master's children; though, as
+I well knew, she was extremely fond of
+them, and disliked Geoffrey, in spite of her
+familiarity with him.</p>
+
+<p>I saw Geoffrey no more that day. Rose's
+young friends soon arrived, and consoled
+both her and me by their kind sympathy
+and attentions. One made an elegant cap
+to supply the loss of my wig; another
+strung a blue necklace to hide the black
+mark round my throat; Rose herself put
+me to bed, and placed a table by my bedside
+covered with teacups, each, she told
+me, containing a different medicine; and
+the young lady who had once brought Miss
+Edgeworth to dine with me, charged me to
+lie still and read 'Rosamond' till I was
+quite recovered.</p>
+
+<p>Next morning, as I lay contentedly performing
+my new part of an invalid, I heard<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span>
+a confidential conversation between Margaret
+and Geoffrey, in which I was interested.</p>
+
+<p>They were alone together, and she was
+taking the opportunity to remonstrate with
+him on his unkind treatment of me.</p>
+
+<p>'What was the harm?' said Geoffrey.
+'A doll is nothing but wood or bran, or
+some stupid stuff; it can't feel.'</p>
+
+<p>'Of course,' answered Margaret, 'we all
+know <em>that</em>. It is wasteful and mischievous
+to spoil a pretty toy; but I am not speaking
+now so much for the sake of the doll
+as of Rose. Rose is not made of any
+stupid stuff; <em>she</em> can feel. And what is
+more, she can feel for other people as well
+as herself. She would never play you such
+an ill-natured trick.'</p>
+
+<p>'I should not mind it if she did,' argued
+Geoffrey; 'I am not such a baby.'</p>
+
+<p>'You would not mind that particular
+thing,' answered Margaret, 'because you
+do not care about dolls; but you would
+mind her interfering with <em>your</em> pleasures,
+or injuring your property. You would
+think it very ill-natured, for instance, if she<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span>
+threw away that heap of nuts which you
+have hoarded like a squirrel on your shelf
+of the closet.'</p>
+
+<p>'Nuts are not nonsense like dolls,' said
+he. 'Besides, she may have as many of
+mine as she likes. I tried to make her eat
+some yesterday.'</p>
+
+<p>'Yes, and half choked her by poking
+them into her mouth, when she told you
+she did not want them. She cares no more
+for nuts than you for dolls. You would
+think it no kindness if she teazed you to
+nurse her doll.'</p>
+
+<p>'I should think not, indeed,' answered
+Geoffrey, indignant at the very idea.</p>
+
+<p>'Of course not. Kindness is not shown
+by forcing our own pleasures down other people's
+throats, but by trying to promote theirs.
+That is really doing as we would be done by.'</p>
+
+<p>'But doing as we would be done by is
+one's <em>duty</em>,' said Geoffrey.</p>
+
+<p>'I fear it is a duty of which you seldom
+think,' replied his cousin.</p>
+
+<p>'Why, one can't be thinking of <em>duty</em> in
+those kind of things,' answered he.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span>'Why not?' asked Margaret.</p>
+
+<p>'Because they are such trifles; duties
+are great things.'</p>
+
+<p>'What sort of things do you consider to
+be duties?' Margaret inquired.</p>
+
+<p>'Oh, such things as letting oneself be
+tortured, like Regulus; or forgiving an
+enemy who has shot poisoned arrows at
+one, like C&oelig;ur de Lion.'</p>
+
+<p>'Well,' said Margaret smiling, 'such
+heroic duties as those do not seem likely to
+fall in your way just now, perhaps they
+never may. Our fellow-creatures are so
+kind to us, that we are seldom called upon
+to fulfil any but small duties towards them,
+or what you would consider such; for I cannot
+allow any duty to be small, especially
+that of doing as we would be done by. If
+we do not fulfil that in trifles, we shall
+probably never fulfil it at all. This is a
+serious thought, Geoffrey.'</p>
+
+<p>Geoffrey looked up; and as he seemed
+inclined to listen, Margaret continued talking
+to him kindly but gravely, bringing
+many things before his mind as duties<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>
+which he had hitherto considered to be
+matters of indifference. But Margaret
+would not allow any thing to be a trifle
+in which one person could give pain or
+pleasure, trouble or relief, annoyance or
+comfort to another, or by which any one's
+own mind or habits could be either injured
+or improved. She maintained that there
+was a right and a wrong to every thing,
+and that right and wrong could never be
+trifles, whether in great things or small.
+By degrees the conversation turned upon
+matters far too solemn to be repeated by a
+mere plaything like myself; but I thought,
+as I heard her, that it might be better to
+be a poor wooden figure which could do
+neither right nor wrong, than a human
+being who neglected his appointed duties.</p>
+
+<p>Geoffrey said little, but he shook hands
+with Margaret when she had finished speaking,
+and I noticed from that day forward a
+gradual improvement in his conduct. Bad
+habits are not cured in a minute, and he
+did not become all at once as gentle and
+considerate as Willy, nor as kind and helpful<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span>
+as Edward; but he put himself in the
+right road, and seemed in a fair way of
+overtaking them in due time. He at once
+left off <em>active</em> mischief; and if he could not
+avoid being occasionally troublesome, he at
+any rate cured himself of teazing people
+on purpose. And it was remarkable how
+many employments he found as soon as his
+mind was disengaged from mischief. Instead
+of his dawdling about all the morning
+calling things stupid, and saying he had
+nothing to do, all manner of pleasant occupations
+seemed to start up in his path, as if
+made to order for him, now that he had
+time to attend to them. When he relinquished
+the pleasure of spoiling things,
+he acquired the far greater pleasure of
+learning to make them. When Edward
+was no longer afraid of trusting him with
+his tools, it was wonderful what a carpenter
+he turned out. When Margaret could venture
+to leave drawing materials within his
+reach, he began to draw capitally. Good-natured
+Margaret gave him lessons, and said
+she would never wish for a better scholar.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span>
+He found it was twice the pleasure to walk
+or play with Edward when he was thought
+an acquisition instead of a burden; and far
+more agreeable to have Rose and Willy
+anxious for his company than wishing to
+get rid of him. But the advantages were
+not confined to himself; the whole house
+shared in them; for his perpetual small
+annoyances had made every body uncomfortable,
+whereas now, by attention to what
+he used to look upon as trifles, he found
+he had the power of contributing his part
+towards the happiness of his fellow-creatures,
+which is no trifle.</p>
+
+<p>On the last day of the holidays, the young
+people were all assembled in the schoolroom
+till it was time for Edward and Geoffrey to
+start. While Edward was arranging various
+matters with Willy, I heard Geoffrey whisper
+to Margaret that he hoped she had
+forgiven him for spoiling that drawing of
+hers. She seemed at first really not to know
+what he meant; but when she recollected it,
+she answered with a smile, 'Oh, my dear
+Geoffrey, I had forgiven and forgotten it long<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span>
+ago. Pray never think of it again yourself.'
+Geoffrey next went up to Rose and put a
+little parcel into her hands. On opening it,
+she found a box of very pretty bonbons in
+the shape of various vegetables. When she
+admired them, he seemed much pleased, and
+said that he had saved up his money to buy
+them, in hopes she might like them for her
+dolls' feasts. Rose kissed and thanked him,
+and said she only wished he could stay and
+help her and her dolls to eat them. Every
+body took an affectionate leave of Geoffrey,
+and Willy said he was very sorry to lose
+him, and should miss him sadly.</p>
+
+<p>Edward and Geoffrey returned to school,
+and I never saw Geoffrey again; but a constant
+correspondence was kept up between
+him and his cousins, and I often heard
+pleasant mention of his progress and improvement.</p>
+
+<p>Time passed on; what length of time I
+cannot say, all seasons and their change
+being alike to me; but school-days and holidays
+succeeded one another, and our family
+grew older in appearance and habits. Rose<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span>
+gradually spent less time with me, and more
+with her books and music, till at last, though
+she still kept my house in order, she never
+actually played with me, unless younger
+children came to visit her, and <em>then</em>, indeed,
+I was as popular as ever. But on a little
+friend's one day remarking that I had worn
+the same gown for a month, Rose answered
+that she herself had the charge of her own
+clothes now, and that what with keeping
+them in order, and doing fancy-work as
+presents for her friends, she found no time
+to work for dolls.</p>
+
+<p>By and by, her time for needlework was
+fully engaged in Geoffrey's behalf. He was
+going to sea; and Rose was making purses,
+slippers, portfolios, and every thing she could
+think of as likely to please him. Perhaps
+<em>her</em> most useful keepsake was a sailor's housewife;
+but many nice things were sent him
+from every one of the family. I saw a trunk
+full of presents packed and sent off. And
+when I recollected my first acquaintance
+with him, I could not but marvel over the
+change that had taken place, before books,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span>
+drawing materials, and mathematical instruments
+could have been chosen as the gifts
+best suited to his taste.</p>
+
+<p>Edward used to come home from school
+as merry and good-humored as ever, and
+growing taller and stronger every holiday.
+Rose and Margaret were as flourishing as
+he; but poor Willy grew weaker, and thinner,
+and paler. Fresh springs and summers
+brought him no revival, but as they faded,
+he seemed to fade with them. He read more
+than ever; and his sisters were frequently
+occupied in reading and writing under his
+direction, for they were anxious to help him
+in his pursuits. His Papa and Mama sometimes
+said he studied too hard; and they used
+to sit with him, and try to amuse him by
+conversation, when they wished to draw him
+from his books. Doctors visited him, and
+prescribed many remedies; and his Mama
+gave him all the medicines herself, and took
+care that every order was implicitly obeyed.
+His father carried him up and down stairs,
+and waited upon him as tenderly as even
+Margaret; but he grew no better with all<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span>
+their care. He was always gentle and patient,
+but he appeared in less good spirits than
+formerly. He seemed to enjoy going out in
+his wheel-chair more than any thing; but
+one day he observed that the summer was
+fast coming to an end, and that then he must
+shut himself up in his room, for that he
+minded the cold more than he used.</p>
+
+<p>'I wish we lived in a warmer country,' said
+Rose; 'perhaps then you might get better.'</p>
+
+<p>'I do not know about <em>living</em>,' replied
+Willy. 'England is the best country to <em>live</em>
+in; but I certainly should like to be out of
+the way of the cold for this next winter.'</p>
+
+<p>'Why do not you tell Papa so?' asked
+Rose.</p>
+
+<p>'Because I know very well he would take
+me a journey directly, however inconvenient
+it might be to him.'</p>
+
+<p>Rose said nothing more just then, but she
+took the first opportunity of telling her father
+what had passed; and he said he was very
+glad indeed that she had let him know.</p>
+
+<p>From that day forward something more
+than usual seemed in contemplation. Papa,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span>
+Mama, and Margaret were constantly consulting
+together, and Edward, Rose, and
+Willy followed their example. As for me,
+nobody had time to bestow a look or a
+thought upon me; but I made myself happy
+by looking at and thinking of <em>them</em>.</p>
+
+<p>One morning two doctors together paid
+Willy a long visit. After they were gone,
+his Papa and Mama came into his room.</p>
+
+<p>'Well, my boy,' his father exclaimed in
+an unusually cheerful tone, 'it is quite
+settled now; Madeira is the place, and I
+hope you like the plan.'</p>
+
+<p>'Oh, Papa,' said Willy, 'is it really worth
+while?'</p>
+
+<p>'Of course it is worth while, a hundred
+times over,' replied his father; 'and we will
+be off in the first ship.'</p>
+
+<p>'The doctors strongly advise it, and we
+have all great hopes from it, my dear Willy,'
+said his mother.</p>
+
+<p>'Then so have I,' said Willy; 'and, indeed,
+I like it extremely, and I am very grateful
+to you. The only thing I mind is, that you
+and my father should have to leave home<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span>
+and make a long sea voyage, when you do
+not like travelling, and Papa has so much to
+keep him in England.'</p>
+
+<p>'Oh, never mind me,' said his mother; 'I
+shall like nothing so well as travelling, if it
+does you good.'</p>
+
+<p>'And never mind me,' said his father;
+'there is nothing of so much consequence to
+keep me in England, as your health to take
+me out of it.'</p>
+
+<p>'Besides, my dear child,' said his mother,
+'as the change of climate is so strongly
+recommended for you, it becomes a duty as
+well as a pleasure to try it.'</p>
+
+<p>'So make your mind easy, my boy,' added
+his father; 'and I will go and take our passage
+for Madeira.'</p>
+
+<p>The father left the room, and the mother
+remained conversing with her sick child,
+whose spirits were unusually excited. I
+scarcely knew him again. He was generally
+slow and quiet, and rather desponding about
+himself; but he now thought he should
+certainly get well, and was so eager and
+anxious to start without delay, that his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span>
+mother had some difficulty in reconciling
+him to the idea that no ship would sail till
+next month. She also took great pains to
+impress upon him the duty of resignation,
+in case the attempt should fail, after all,
+in restoring his health; and she finally left
+him, not less hopeful, but more calm and
+contented with whatever might befall him.</p>
+
+<p>And now began the preparations for the
+voyage. There was no time to spare, considering
+all that had to be done. Every
+body was at work; and though poor Willy
+himself could not do much to help, he
+thought of nothing else. His common books
+and drawings were changed for maps and
+voyages; the track to Madeira was looked
+up by him and Rose every day, and sometimes
+two or three times in the day, and
+every book consulted that contained the least
+reference to the Madeira Isles.</p>
+
+<p>Edward was an indefatigable packer. He
+was not to be one of the travellers, as his
+father did not choose to interrupt his school-education;
+but no one was more active than
+he in forwarding the preparations for the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>
+voyage, and no one more sanguine about its
+results.</p>
+
+<p>'We shall have Willy back,' he would
+say, 'turned into a fine strong fellow, as
+good a cricketer as Geoffrey or I, and a
+better scholar than either of us.'</p>
+
+<p>Margaret and Rose were to go; and Rose's
+young friends all came to take leave of her,
+and talk over the plan, and find Madeira in
+the map, and look at views of the island,
+which had been given to Willy. And a
+sailor-friend, who had been all over the
+world, used to come and describe Madeira
+as one of the most beautiful of all the beautiful
+places he had visited, and tell of its blue
+sea, fresh and bright, without storms; its
+high mountains, neither barren nor bleak;
+and its climate, so warm and soft, that Willy
+might sit out all day in the beautiful gardens
+under hedges of fragrant geraniums. And
+when Willy talked of enjoying the gardens
+while his stronger sisters were climbing the
+hills, there was more to be told of cradles
+borne upon men's shoulders, in which Willy
+could be carried to the top of the highest<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span>
+hills as easily as his sisters on their mountain
+ponies. And now the packing was all finished,
+and the luggage sent on board, and every
+body was anxious to follow it; for the ship
+was reported as quite comfortable, and the
+house was decidedly the reverse. Margaret
+and her father had been on board to arrange
+the cabins, accompanied by their sailor-friend,
+who professed to know how to fit up a berth
+better than any body. He had caused all
+the furniture to be fastened, or, as he called
+it, <em>cleated</em> to the floor, that it might not roll
+about in rough weather. The books were
+secured in the shelves by bars, and swinging
+tables hung from the ceilings. Willy's couch
+was in the most airy and convenient place at
+the stern cabin window, and there was an
+easy chair for him when he should be able
+to come out on deck. The ship was said to
+be in perfect order, whereas the house was
+in the utmost confusion and desolation: the
+carpets rolled up, the pictures taken down,
+the mirrors covered with muslin, the furniture
+and bookcases with canvass; not a
+vestige left of former habits and occupations,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span>
+except me and my little mansion. But in
+the midst of all the bustle, I was as calm
+and collected as if nothing had happened. I
+sat quietly in my arm-chair, staring composedly
+at all that went on, contented and
+happy, though apparently forgotten by every
+body. Indeed, such was my placid, patient
+disposition, that I do not believe I should
+have uttered a sound or moved a muscle if
+the whole of London had fallen about my
+little ears.</p>
+
+<p>I did certainly sometimes wish to know
+what was to become of me, and at last that
+information was given me.</p>
+
+<p>The night before they sailed, Rose busied
+herself with Sarah in packing up my house
+and furniture, which were to be sent to a little
+girl who had long considered it her greatest
+treat to play with them. But Rose did
+not pack me up with my goods and chattels.</p>
+
+<p>'My poor old Seraphina,' said she, as she
+removed me from my arm-chair, 'you and I
+have passed many a happy day together,
+and I do not like to throw you away as
+mere rubbish; but the new mistress of your<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span>
+house has already more dolls than she
+knows what to do with. You are no great
+beauty now, but I wish I knew any child
+who would care for you.'</p>
+
+<p>'If you please to give her to me, Miss
+Rose,' said Sarah, 'my little niece, that your
+Mama is so kind as to put to school, would
+thank you kindly, and think her the greatest
+of beauties.'</p>
+
+<p>'Oh, then, take her by all means, Sarah,'
+replied Rose; 'and here is a little trunk to
+keep her clothes in. I remember I used to
+be very fond of that trunk; so I dare say
+your little Susan will like it, though it is
+not quite new.'</p>
+
+<p>'That she will, and many thanks to you,
+Miss. Susan will be as delighted with it
+now, as you were a year or two ago.'</p>
+
+<p>So they wrapped me up in paper, and
+Rose having given me a farewell kiss, which
+I would have returned if I could, Sarah
+put me and my trunk both into her great
+pocket; and on the same day that my old
+friends embarked for their distant voyage,
+I was carried to my new home.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+
+<p>And now began a third stage of my
+existence, and a fresh variety of life.</p>
+
+<p>I at first feared that I should have
+great difficulty in reconciling myself to the
+change; and my reflections in Sarah's dark
+pocket were of the most gloomy cast. I
+dreaded poverty and neglect. How should
+I, accustomed to the refinements of polished
+life and the pleasures of cultivated society,
+endure to be tossed about with no home of
+my own, and perhaps no one who really
+cared for me? I knew that I was not in
+my first bloom, and it seemed unlikely that
+a new acquaintance should feel towards me
+like my old friend Rose, who had so long
+known my value. Perhaps I might be
+despised; perhaps allowed to go ragged,
+perhaps even dirty! My spirits sunk, and
+had I been human, I should have wept.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span>But cheerful voices aroused me from this
+melancholy reverie, and I found myself
+restored to the pleasant light in the hands
+of a goodhumored-looking little girl, whose
+reception of me soon banished my fears.
+For, although altered since the days of my
+introduction to the world in the bazaar, so
+that my beauty was not quite what it had
+been, I still retained charms enough to
+make me a valuable acquisition to a child
+who had not much choice of toys; and my
+disposition and manners were as amiable
+and pleasing as ever. My new mistress
+and I soon loved each other dearly; and in
+her family I learned that people might be
+equally happy and contented under very
+different outward circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could well be more unlike my
+former home than that to which I was now
+introduced. Susan, my little mistress, was
+a child of about the same age as Rose when
+she first bought me; but Susan had no
+money to spend in toys, and very little time
+to play with them, though she enjoyed them
+as much as Rose herself. She gave me a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span>
+hearty welcome; and though she could offer
+me no furnished house, with its elegancies
+and comforts, she assigned me the best
+place in her power&mdash;the corner of a shelf
+on which she kept her books, slate, needlework,
+and inkstand. And there I lived,
+sitting on my trunk, and observing human
+life from a new point of view. And though
+my dignity might appear lowered in the
+eyes of the unthinking, I felt that the
+respectability of my character was really in
+no way diminished; for I was able to fulfil
+the great object of my existence as well as
+ever, by giving innocent pleasure, and being
+useful in my humble way.</p>
+
+<p>No other dolls now visited me; but I
+was not deprived of the enjoyments of inanimate
+society, for I soon struck up an
+intimate acquaintance with an excellent
+Pen in the inkstand by my side, and we
+passed our leisure hours very pleasantly in
+communicating to each other our past adventures.
+His knowledge of life was limited,
+having resided in that inkstand, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span>
+performed all the writing of the family,
+ever since he was a quill. But his experience
+was wise and virtuous; and he could
+bear witness to many an industrious effort
+at improvement, in which he had been the
+willing instrument; and to many a hard
+struggle for honesty and independence,
+which figures of his writing had recorded.
+I liked to watch the good Pen at his work
+when the father of the family spent an hour
+in the evening in teaching Susan and her
+brothers to write; or when the careful
+mother took him in hand to help her in
+balancing her accounts, and ascertaining
+that she owed no one a penny, before she
+ventured upon any new purchase. Then
+my worthy friend was in his glory; and it
+was delightful to see how he enjoyed his
+work. He had but one fault, which was a
+slight tendency to splutter; and as he was
+obliged to keep that under restraint while
+engaged in writing, he made himself amends
+by a little praise of himself, when relating
+his exploits to a sympathising friend like
+myself. On his return with the inkstand to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span>
+the corner of my shelf, he could not resist
+sometimes boasting when he had not made
+a single blot; or confessing to me, in perfect
+confidence, how much the thinness of Susan's
+upstrokes, or the thickness of her downstrokes,
+was owing to the clearness of his
+slit or the fineness of his nib.</p>
+
+<p>The family of which we made part lived
+frugally and worked hard: but they were
+healthy and happy. The father with his
+boys went out early in the morning to the
+daily labor by which they maintained the
+family. The mother remained at home, to
+take care of the baby and do the work of the
+house. She was the neatest and most careful
+person I ever saw, and she brought up her
+daughter Susan to be as notable as herself.</p>
+
+<p>Susan was an industrious little girl, and
+in her childish way worked almost as hard
+as her mother. She helped to sweep the
+house, and nurse the baby, and mend the
+clothes, and was as busy as a bee. But she
+was always tidy; and though her clothes
+were often old and shabby, I never saw them
+dirty or ragged. Indeed, I must own that,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span>
+in point of <em>neatness</em>, Susan was even superior
+to my old friend Rose. Rose would break
+her strings, or lose her buttons, or leave holes
+in her gloves, till reproved by her Mama for
+untidiness: but Susan never forgot that 'a
+stitch in time saves nine,' and the stitch was
+never wanting.</p>
+
+<p>She used to go to school for some hours
+every day: and I should have liked to go
+with her, and help her in her studies, especially
+when I found that she was learning
+the multiplication-table, and I remembered
+how useful I had been to Rose in that very
+lesson; but dolls were not allowed at school,
+and I was obliged to wait patiently for
+Susan's company till she had finished all
+her business, both at school and at home.</p>
+
+<p>She had so little time to bestow upon me,
+that at first I began to fear that I should be
+of no use to her. The suspicion was terrible;
+for the wish to be useful has been the great
+idea of my life. It was my earliest hope,
+and it will be my latest pleasure. I could
+be happy under almost any change of circumstances;
+but as long as a splinter of me<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span>
+remains, I should never be able to reconcile
+myself to the degradation of thinking that I
+had been <em>of no use</em>.</p>
+
+<p>But I soon found I was in no danger of
+what I so much dreaded. In fact, I seemed
+likely to be even more useful to Susan than
+to Rose. Before I had been long in the
+house, she said one evening that she had an
+hour to spare, and that she would make me
+some clothes.</p>
+
+<p>'Well and good,' answered her mother;
+'only be sure to put your best work in them.
+If you mind your work, the doll will be of
+great use to you, and you can play without
+wasting your time.'</p>
+
+<p>This was good hearing for Susan and me,
+and she spent most of her leisure in working
+for me. While she was thus employed, I
+came down from my shelf, and was treated
+with as much consideration as when Rose
+and her companions waited at my table.</p>
+
+<p>A great change took place in my wardrobe.
+Rose had always dressed me in gay
+silks and satins, without much regard to
+under clothing; for, she said, as my gowns<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span>
+must be sewn on, what did any petticoats
+signify? So she sewed me up, and I looked
+very smart; and if there happened to be
+any unseemly cobbling, she hid it with beads
+or spangles. Once I remember a very long
+stitch baffled all her contrivances, and she
+said I must pretend it was a new-fashioned
+sort of embroidery.</p>
+
+<p>But Susan scorned all <em>make-shifts</em>. Nothing
+could have been more unfounded than
+my fears of becoming ragged or dirty. My
+attire was plain and suited to my station,
+but most scrupulously finished. She saw no
+reason why my clothes should not be made
+to take off and on, as well as if I had been a
+doll three feet high. So I had my plain
+gingham gowns with strings and buttons;
+and my shifts and petticoats run and felled,
+gathered and whipped, hemmed and stitched,
+like any lady's; and every thing was neatly
+marked with my initial S. But what Susan
+and I were most particularly proud of, was
+a pair of stays. They were a long time in
+hand, for the fitting them was a most difficult
+job; but when finished, they were such curiosities<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span>
+of needlework, that Susan's neat mother
+herself used to show off the stitching
+and the eyelet-holes to every friend that
+came to see her.</p>
+
+<p>Among them, Sarah the housemaid, who
+was sister to Susan's father, often called in
+to ask after us all. She was left in charge
+of the house where my former friends had
+lived, and they sometimes sent her commissions
+to execute for them. Then she was
+sure to come and bring us news of <em>the family</em>,
+as she always called Rose and her relations.
+Sometimes she told us that Master William
+was a little better; sometimes that she heard
+Miss Rose was very much grown; she had
+generally something to tell that we were all
+glad to hear. One evening, soon after my
+apparel was quite completed, I was sitting
+on my trunk, as pleased with myself as
+Susan was with me, when Sarah's head
+peeped in at the door.</p>
+
+<p>'Good evening to you all,' said she; 'I
+thought as I went by you would like to hear
+that I have a letter from the family, and all's
+well. I have got a pretty little job to do for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span>
+Master Willy. He is to have a set of new
+shirts sent out directly, made of very fine
+thin calico, because his own are too thick.
+See, here is the stuff I have been buying for
+them.'</p>
+
+<p>'It is beautiful calico, to be sure,' said
+Susan's mother; 'but such fine stuff as that
+will want very neat work. I am afraid you
+will hardly be able to make them yourself.'</p>
+
+<p>'Why, no,' answered Sarah, smiling and
+shaking her head. 'I am sorry to say, <em>there</em>
+comes in my old trouble, not having learned
+to work neatly when I was young. Take
+warning by me, Susan, and mind your
+needlework now-a-days. If I could work
+as neatly as your mother, my mistress would
+have made me lady's maid and housekeeper
+by this time. But I could not learn any but
+rough work, more's the pity: so I say again,
+take warning by <em>me</em>, little niece; take pattern
+by your mother.'</p>
+
+<p>Susan looked at me and smiled, as much
+as to say, 'I have taken pattern by her;'
+but she had not time to answer, for Sarah
+continued, addressing the mother:</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 451px;">
+<img src="images/img03.png" width="451" height="600" alt="Image 3" title="" />
+<span class="caption">Page <a href="#Page_106">106</a>.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span>'How I wish you could have time to do
+this job! for it would bring you in a pretty
+penny, and I know my mistress would be
+pleased with your work; but they are to be
+done very quickly, in time for the next ship,
+and I do not see that you <em>could</em> get through
+them with only one pair of hands.'</p>
+
+<p>'We have two pair of hands,' cried Susan;
+'here are mine.'</p>
+
+<p>'Ah, but what can they do?' asked Sarah,
+'and how can they do it? It is not enough
+to have four fingers and a thumb. Hands
+must be handy.'</p>
+
+<p>'And so they are,' answered Susan's mother.
+'See whether any hands could do
+neater work than that.' And she pointed
+me out to Sarah.</p>
+
+<p>Sarah took me up, and turned me from
+side to side. Then she looked at my hems,
+then at my seams, then at my gathers, while
+I felt truly proud and happy, conscious that
+not a long stitch could be found in either.</p>
+
+<p>'Well to be sure!' exclaimed she, after
+examining me all over; 'do you mean that
+all that is really Susan's own work?'</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span>'Every stitch of it,' replied the mother;
+'and I think better need not be put into any
+shirt, though Master William does deserve
+the best of every thing.'</p>
+
+<p>'You never said a truer word, neither for
+Master William nor for little Susan,' replied
+Sarah; 'and I wish you joy, Susan, of being
+able to help your mother so nicely, for now
+I can leave you the job to do between you.'</p>
+
+<p>She then told them what was to be the
+payment for the work, which was a matter I
+did not myself understand, though I could
+see that it gave them great satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>The money came at a most convenient
+time, to help in fitting out Susan's brother
+Robert for a place which had been offered
+to him in the country. It was an excellent
+place; but there were several things, as his
+mother well knew, that poor Robert wanted
+at starting, but would not mention for fear
+his parents should distress themselves to
+obtain them for him. Both father and
+mother had been saving for the purpose,
+without saying any thing about it to Robert;
+but they almost despaired of obtaining more<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span>
+than half the things they wanted, till this
+little sum of money came into their hands so
+opportunely.</p>
+
+<p>The father was in the secret, but Robert
+could scarcely believe his eyes, when one
+evening his mother and Susan laid on the
+table before him, one by one, all the useful
+articles he wished to possess. At first he
+seemed almost more vexed than pleased, for
+he thought of the saving and the slaving
+that his mother must have gone through to
+gain them; but when she told him how
+much of them was due to his little sister's
+neatness and industry, and how easy the
+work had been when shared between them,
+he was as much pleased as Susan herself.</p>
+
+<p>We were all very happy that evening,
+including even the humble friends on the
+shelf; for I sat on my trunk, and related to
+the Pen how useful I had been in teaching
+Susan to work; and the worthy Pen stood
+bolt upright in his inkstand, and confided to
+me with honest pride, that Robert had been
+chosen to his situation on account of his
+excellent writing.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span>Time passed on, and I suppose we all
+grew older, as I noticed from time to time
+various changes that seemed to proceed from
+that cause. The baby, for instance, though
+still going by the name of 'Baby,' had become
+a strong able-bodied child, running
+alone, and very difficult to keep out of
+mischief. The most effectual way of keeping
+her quiet was to place me in her hands,
+when she would sit on the floor nursing me
+by the hour together, while her mother and
+sister were at work.</p>
+
+<p>Susan was become a tall strong girl, more
+notable than ever, and, like Rose before her,
+she gradually bestowed less attention on me;
+so that I was beginning to feel myself neglected,
+till on a certain birthday of her little
+sister's, she declared her intention of making
+me over altogether to the baby-sister for a
+birthday present. Then I once more rose
+into importance, and found powers which I
+thought declining, still undiminished. The
+baby gave a scream of delight when I was
+placed in her hand as her own. Till then
+she had only possessed one toy in the world,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span>
+an old wooden horse, in comparison with
+which I seemed in the full bloom of youth
+and beauty. This horse, which she called
+<span class="smcap">Jack</span>, had lost not merely the ornaments of
+mane and tail, but his head, one fore and
+one hind leg; so that nothing remained of
+the once noble quadruped but a barrel with
+the paint scratched off, rather insecurely
+perched upon a stand with wheels. But
+he was a faithful animal, and did his work
+to the last. The baby used to tie me on to
+his barrel, and Jack and I were drawn round
+and round the kitchen with as much satisfaction
+to our mistress, as in the days when I
+shone forth, in my gilt coach with its four
+prancing piebalds.</p>
+
+<p>But the baby's treatment of me, though
+gratifying from its cordiality, had a roughness
+and want of ceremony that affected my
+enfeebled frame. I could not conceal from
+myself that the infirmities I had observed in
+other dolls were gradually gaining ground
+upon me. Nobody ever said a harsh word
+to me, or dropped a hint of my being less
+pretty than ever, and the baby called me<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span>
+'Beauty, beauty,' twenty times a day; but
+still I knew very well that not only had my
+rosy color and fine hair disappeared, but I
+had lost the whole of one leg and half of the
+other, and the lower joints of both my arms.
+In fact, as my worthy friend the Pen
+observed, both he and I were reduced to
+stumps.</p>
+
+<p>The progress of decay caused me no regret,
+for I felt that I had done my work,
+and might now gracefully retire from public
+life, and resign my place to newer dolls. But
+though contented with my lot, I had still
+one anxious wish ungratified. The thought
+occupied my mind incessantly; and the more
+I dwelt upon it, the stronger grew the
+hope that I might have a chance of seeing
+my old first friends once more. This was
+now my only remaining care.</p>
+
+<p>News came from them from time to time.
+Sarah brought word that Master William
+was better; that they had left Madeira, and
+gone travelling about elsewhere. Then that
+the father had been in England upon business,
+and gone back again; that Mr. Edward<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span>
+had been over to foreign parts one summer
+holidays to see his family, and on his return
+had come to give her an account of them.</p>
+
+<p>Sarah was always very bustling when she
+had any news to bring of the family, but one
+day she called on us in even more flurry
+than usual. She was quite out of breath
+with eagerness.</p>
+
+<p>'Sit down and rest a minute before you
+begin to speak,' said her quiet sister-in-law.
+'There must be some great news abroad. It
+seems almost too much for you.'</p>
+
+<p>Susan nodded, and began to unpack a
+great parcel she had brought with her.</p>
+
+<p>'It don't seem bad news, to judge by your
+face,' said the other; for now that Sarah had
+recovered breath, her smiles succeeded one
+another so fast, that she seemed to think
+words superfluous.</p>
+
+<p>'I guess, I guess,' cried Susan. 'They are
+coming home.'</p>
+
+<p>'They are, indeed,' answered Sarah at last;
+'they are coming home as fast as steam-engines
+can bring them: and here is work
+more than enough for you and mother till<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span>
+they come. Miss Margaret is going to be
+married, and you are to make the wedding-clothes.'</p>
+
+<p>So saying, she finished unpacking her
+parcel, and produced various fine materials
+which required Susan's neatest work.</p>
+
+<p>'These are for you to begin with,' said
+she, 'but there is more coming.' She then
+read a letter from the ladies with directions
+about the needlework, to which Susan and
+her mother listened with great attention.
+Then Sarah jumped up, saying she must not
+let the grass grow under her feet, for she had
+plenty to do. The whole house was to be
+got ready; and she would not have a thing
+out of its place, nor a speck of dust to be
+found, for any money.</p>
+
+<p>Susan and her mother lost no time either;
+their needles never seemed to stop: and I
+sat on the baby's lap watching them, and
+enjoying the happy anticipation that my last
+wish would soon be accomplished.</p>
+
+<p>But though Susan was as industrious as
+a girl could be, and just now wished to work
+harder than ever, she was not doomed to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span>
+'all work and no play;' for her father took
+care that his children should enjoy themselves
+at proper times. In summer evenings,
+after he came home from his work, they used
+often to go out all together for a walk in the
+nearest park, when he and his wife would
+rest under the trees, and read over Robert's
+last letter, while the children amused themselves.
+Very much we all enjoyed it, for
+even I was seldom left behind. Susan would
+please the baby by dressing me in my best
+clothes for the walk; and the good-natured
+father would laugh merrily at us, and remark
+how much good the fresh air did me. We
+were all very happy; and when my thoughts
+travelled to other scenes and times, I sometimes
+wondered whether my former friends
+enjoyed themselves as much in their southern
+gardens, as this honest family in their English
+fields.</p>
+
+<p>Our needlework was finished and sent to
+Sarah's care to await Margaret's arrival, for
+which we were very anxious.</p>
+
+<p>On returning home one evening after our<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span>
+walk, we passed, as we often did, through
+the street in which I had formerly lived.
+Susan was leading her little sister, who, on
+her part, clutched me in a way very unlike
+the gentleness which Susan bestowed upon
+her. On arriving at the well-known house,
+we saw Sarah standing at the area-gate.
+We stopped to speak to her.</p>
+
+<p>'When are they expected?' asked Susan's
+mother.</p>
+
+<p>'They may be here any minute,' answered
+Sarah; 'Mr. Edward has just brought the
+news.'</p>
+
+<p>The street-door now opened, and two gentlemen
+came out and stood on the steps.
+One was a tall fine-looking boy, grown
+almost into a young man; but I could not
+mistake the open good-humored countenance
+of my old friend Edward. The other was
+older, and I recognised him as the traveller
+who used to describe Madeira to Willy.</p>
+
+<p>They did not notice us, for we stood back
+so as not to intrude, and their minds were
+evidently fully occupied with the expected
+meeting.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span>We all gazed intently down the street,
+every voice hushed in eager interest. Even
+my own little mistress, usually the noisiest
+of her tribe, was silent as myself. It was a
+quiet street and a quiet time, and the roll of
+the distant carriages would scarcely have
+seemed to break the silence, had it not been
+for our intense watching, and hoping that
+the sound of every wheel would draw nearer.
+We waited long, and were more than once
+disappointed by carriages passing us and
+disappearing at the end of the street. Edward
+and his friend walked up and down,
+east and west, north and south, in hopes of
+descrying the travellers in the remotest distance.
+But after each unavailing walk, they
+took up their post again on the steps.</p>
+
+<p>At last a travelling carriage laden with
+luggage turned the nearest corner, rolled
+towards us, and stopped at the house. The
+two gentlemen rushed down the steps, flung
+open the carriage-door, and for some moments
+all was hurry and agitation, and I
+could distinguish nothing.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span>I much feared that I should now be
+obliged to go home without actually seeing
+my friends, for they had passed so quickly
+from the carriage to the house, and there
+had been so much confusion and excitement
+during those few seconds, that my transient
+glance scarcely allowed me to know one
+from another; but in course of time Sarah
+came out again, and asked Susan's father to
+help in unloading the carriage, desiring us
+to sit meanwhile in the housekeeper's room.
+So we waited till the business was finished,
+when, to my great joy, we were summoned
+to the sitting-room, and I had the happiness
+of seeing all the family once more assembled.</p>
+
+<p>I was delighted to find how much less
+they were altered than I. I had been half
+afraid that I might see one without a leg,
+another without an arm, according to the
+dilapidations which had taken place in my
+own frame; but strange to say, their sensitive
+bodies, which felt every change of
+weather, shrunk from a rough touch, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span>
+bled at the scratch of a pin, had outlasted
+mine, though insensible to pain or sickness.
+There stood the father, scarcely altered; his
+hair perhaps a little more gray, but his eyes
+as quick and bright as ever. And there
+was the mother, still grave and gentle, but
+looking less sad and careworn than in the
+days of Willy's constant illness. And there
+was, first in interest to me, my dear mistress,
+Rose, as tall as Margaret, and as handsome
+as Edward. I could not imagine her condescending
+to play with me now. Margaret
+looked just as in former times, good and
+graceful; but she stood a little apart with
+the traveller friend by her side, and I heard
+Rose whisper to Susan that the wedding
+was to take place in a fortnight. They
+were only waiting for Geoffrey to arrive.
+His ship was daily expected, and they all
+wished him to be present.</p>
+
+<p>And Willy, for whose sake the long journey
+had been made, how was he? Were all
+their hopes realized? Edward shook his
+head when Susan's mother asked that question;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span>
+but Willy was there to answer it himself.
+He was standing by the window, leaning
+on a stick, it is true, but yet able to stand.
+As he walked across the room, I saw that
+he limped slightly, but could move about
+where he pleased. He still looked thin and
+pale, but the former expression of suffering
+and distress had disappeared, and his countenance
+was as cheerful as his manner. I
+could see that he was very much better,
+though not in robust health like Edward's.
+He thanked Susan's mother for her kind
+inquiries, and said that, though he had not
+become all that his sanguine brother hoped,
+he had gained health more than enough to
+satisfy himself; that he was most thankful
+for his present comfort and independence;
+and that if he was not quite so strong as
+other people, he hoped he should at any
+rate make a good use of the strength that
+was allowed him. Turning to Edward,
+who still looked disappointed, he continued:
+'Who could have ventured to hope, Edward,
+three years ago, that you and I should now<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span>
+be going to college together?' And then
+even Edward smiled and seemed content.</p>
+
+<p>As we turned to leave the room, Susan
+and her little sister lingered for a moment
+behind the others, and the child held me up
+towards Rose. Rose started, and exclaimed,
+'Is it possible? It really <em>is</em> my poor old
+Seraphina. Who would have thought of her
+being still in existence? What a good, useful
+doll she has been! I really must give
+her a kiss once more for old friendship's
+sake.'</p>
+
+<p>So saying, she kissed both me and the
+baby, and we left the house.</p>
+
+<p>And now there remains but little more
+for me to relate. My history and my existence
+are fast drawing to an end; my last
+wish has been gratified by my meeting with
+Rose, and my first hope realized by her
+praise of my usefulness. She has since
+given the baby a new doll, and I am finally
+laid on the shelf, to enjoy, in company with
+my respected friend the Pen, a tranquil old
+age. When he, like myself, was released<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span>
+from active work, and replaced by one of
+Mordan's patent steel, he kindly offered to
+employ his remaining leisure in writing from
+my dictation, and it is in compliance with
+his advice that I have thus ventured to
+record my experience.</p>
+
+<p>That experience has served to teach me
+that, as all inanimate things have some
+destined use, so all rational creatures have
+some appointed duties, and are happy and
+well employed while fulfilling them.</p>
+
+<p>With this reflection, I bid a grateful farewell
+to those young patrons of my race who
+have kindly taken an interest in my memoirs,
+contentedly awaiting the time when the small
+remnant of my frame shall be reduced to
+dust, and my quiet existence sink into a still
+more profound repose.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center" style="margin-top: 80px; margin-bottom: 40px;">THE END.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Doll and Her Friends, by Unknown
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DOLL AND HER FRIENDS ***
+
+***** This file should be named 21861-h.htm or 21861-h.zip *****
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+</pre>
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+</body>
+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Doll and Her Friends, by Unknown
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Doll and Her Friends
+       or Memoirs of the Lady Seraphina
+
+Author: Unknown
+
+Illustrator: Hablot K. Browne
+
+Release Date: June 18, 2007 [EBook #21861]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DOLL AND HER FRIENDS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, Jana Srna and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The University of Florida, The Internet
+Archive/Children's Library)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Page 59.]
+
+
+                      THE
+
+             DOLL AND HER FRIENDS;
+
+                      OR
+
+        Memoirs of the Lady Seraphina.
+
+
+
+               BY THE AUTHOR OF
+ "LETTERS FROM MADRAS," "HISTORICAL CHARADES,"
+                   ETC. ETC.
+
+
+
+ WITH FOUR ILLUSTRATIONS BY HABLOT K. BROWNE,
+         ENGRAVED BY BAKER AND SMITH.
+
+
+
+                    BOSTON:
+          TICKNOR, REED, AND FIELDS.
+
+                   MDCCCLII.
+
+
+
+   PRINTED BY THURSTON, TORRY, AND EMERSON.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+My principal intention, or rather aim, in writing this little Book, was
+to amuse Children by a story founded on one of their favorite
+diversions, and to inculcate a few such minor morals as my little plot
+might be strong enough to carry; chiefly the domestic happiness produced
+by kind tempers and consideration for others. And further, I wished to
+say a word in favor of that good old-fashioned plaything, the Doll,
+which one now sometimes hears decried by sensible people who have no
+children of their own.
+
+
+
+
+The Doll and Her Friends.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+I belong to a race, the sole end of whose existence is to give pleasure
+to others. None will deny the goodness of such an end, and I flatter
+myself most persons will allow that we amply fulfil it. Few of the
+female sex especially but will acknowledge, with either the smile or the
+sigh called forth by early recollections, that much of their youthful
+happiness was due to our presence; and some will even go so far as to
+attribute to our influence many a habit of housewifery, neatness, and
+industry, which ornaments their riper years.
+
+But to our _influence_, our silent, unconscious influence alone, can
+such advantages be ascribed; for neither example nor precept are in our
+power; our race cannot boast of intellectual endowments; and though
+there are few qualities, moral or mental, that have not in their turn
+been imputed to us by partial friends, truth obliges me to confess that
+they exist rather in the minds of our admirers than in our own persons.
+
+We are a race of mere dependents; some might even call us slaves. Unable
+to change our place, or move hand or foot at our own pleasure, and
+forced to submit to every caprice of our possessors, we cannot be said
+to have even a will of our own. But every condition has its share of
+good and evil, and I have often considered my helplessness and
+dependence as mere trifles compared with the troubles to which poor
+sensitive human beings are subject.
+
+Pain, sickness, or fatigue I never knew. While a fidgetty child cannot
+keep still for two minutes at a time, I sit contentedly for days
+together in the same attitude; and I have before now seen one of those
+irritable young mortals cry at a scratch, while I was hearing needles
+drawn in and out of every part of my body, or sitting with a pin run
+straight through my heart, calmly congratulating myself on being free
+from the inconveniences of flesh and blood.
+
+Of negative merits I possess a good share. I am never out of humor,
+never impatient, never mischievous, noisy, nor intrusive; and though I
+and my fellows cannot lay claim to brilliant powers either in word or
+deed, we may boast of the same qualifications as our wittiest king, for
+certainly none of us ever 'said a foolish thing,' if she 'never did a
+wise one.'
+
+Personal beauty I might almost, without vanity, call the 'badge of all
+our tribe.' Our very name is seldom mentioned without the epithet
+_pretty_; and in my own individual case I may say that I have always
+been considered pleasing and elegant, though others have surpassed me in
+size and grandeur.
+
+But our most striking characteristic is our power of inspiring strong
+attachment. The love bestowed on us by our possessors is proof against
+time, familiarity, and misfortune:
+
+    'Age cannot wither' us, 'nor custom stale'
+    Our 'infinite variety.'
+
+With no trace of our original beauty left,--dress in tatters, complexion
+defaced, features undistinguishable, our very limbs mutilated, the mere
+wreck of our former selves,--who has not seen one of us still the
+delight and solace of some tender young heart; the confidant of its
+fancies, and the soother of its sorrows; preferred to all newer
+claimants, however high their pretensions; the still unrivalled
+favorite, in spite of the laughter of the nursery and the quiet contempt
+of the schoolroom?
+
+Young and gentle reader, your sympathy or your sagacity has doubtless
+suggested to you my name. I am, as you guess, a DOLL; and though not a
+doll of any peculiar pretensions, I flatter myself that my life may not
+be quite without interest to the young lovers of my race, and in this
+hope I venture to submit my memoirs to your indulgent consideration.
+
+I am but a small doll; not one of those splendid specimens of wax,
+modelled from the Princess Royal, with distinct fingers and toes, eyes
+that shut, and tongues that wag. No; such I have only contemplated from
+a respectful distance as I lay on my stall in the bazaar, while they
+towered sublime in the midst of the toys, the wonder and admiration of
+every passing child. I am not even one of those less magnificent, but
+still dignified, leathern-skinned individuals, requiring clothes to take
+off and put on, and a cradle to sleep in, with sheets, blankets, and
+every thing complete. Neither can I found my claim to notice upon any
+thing odd or unusual in my appearance: I am not a negro doll, with wide
+mouth and woolly hair; nor a doll with a gutta-percha face, which can be
+twisted into all kinds of grimaces.
+
+I am a simple English doll, about six inches high, with jointed limbs
+and an enamel face, a slim waist and upright figure, an amiable smile,
+and intelligent eye, and hair dressed in the first style of fashion. I
+never thought myself vain, but I own that in my youth I did pique myself
+upon my hair. There was but one opinion about _that_. I have often heard
+even grown-up people remark, 'How ingeniously that doll's wig is put on,
+and how nicely it is arranged!' while at the same time my rising vanity
+was crushed by the insinuation that I had an absurd smirk or a
+ridiculous stare.
+
+However, the opinions of human beings of mature age never much disturbed
+me. The world was large enough for them and me; and I could contentedly
+see them turn to their own objects of interest, while I awaited in calm
+security the unqualified praise of those whose praise alone was valuable
+to me--their children and grand-children.
+
+I first opened my eyes to the light in the Pantheon Bazaar. How I came
+there I know not; my conscious existence dates only from the moment in
+which a silver-paper covering was removed from my face, and the world
+burst upon my view. A feeling of importance was the first that arose in
+my mind. As the hand that held me turned me from side to side, I looked
+about. Dolls were before me, dolls behind, and dolls on each side. For a
+considerable time I could see nothing else. The world seemed made for
+dolls. But by degrees, as my powers of vision strengthened, my horizon
+extended, and I perceived that portions of space were allotted to many
+other objects. I descried, at various distances, aids to amusements in
+endless succession,--balls, bats, battledores, boxes, bags, and baskets;
+carts, cradles, and cups and saucers. I did not then know any thing of
+the alphabet, and I cannot say that I have quite mastered it even now;
+but if I were learned enough, I am sure I could go from A to Z, as
+initial letters of the wonders with which I soon made acquaintance.
+
+Not that I at once became aware of the uses, or even the names, of all I
+saw. No one took the trouble to teach me; and it was only by dint of my
+own intense observation that I gained any knowledge at all. I did not at
+first even know that I was a doll. But I made the most of opportunities,
+and my mind gradually expanded.
+
+I first learned to distinguish human beings. Their powers of motion made
+a decided difference between them and the other surrounding objects, and
+naturally my attention was early turned towards the actions of the
+shopwoman on whose stall I lived. She covered me and my companions with
+a large cloth every night, and restored the daylight to us in the
+morning. We were all perfectly helpless without her, and absolutely
+under her control. At her will the largest top hummed, or was silent;
+the whip cracked, or lay harmlessly by the side of the horse. She moved
+us from place to place, and exhibited or hid us at her pleasure; but she
+was always so extremely careful of our health and looks, and her life
+seemed so entirely devoted to us and to our advantage, that I often
+doubted whether she was our property or we hers. Her habits varied so
+little from day to day, that after watching her for a reasonable time, I
+felt myself perfectly acquainted with _her_, and in a condition to make
+observations upon others of her race.
+
+One day a lady and a little girl stopped at our stall.
+
+'Oh, what a splendid doll,' exclaimed the child, pointing to the waxen
+beauty which outshone the rest of our tribe. It was the first time I had
+heard the word _Doll_, though I was well acquainted with the illustrious
+individual to whom it was applied; and it now flashed upon my mind, with
+pride and pleasure, that, however insignificant in comparison, I too was
+a doll. But I had not time to think very deeply about my name and nature
+just then, as I wished to listen to the conversation of the two human
+beings.
+
+'May I buy her?' said the little girl.
+
+'Can you afford it?' asked the lady in return. 'Remember your intentions
+for your brother.'
+
+'Perhaps I have money enough for both,' answered the child. 'How much
+does she cost?'
+
+'Seven shillings,' said the shopwoman, taking the doll from her place,
+and displaying her pretty face and hands to the utmost advantage.
+
+'I have three half-crowns,' said the little girl.
+
+'But if you spend seven shillings on the doll,' answered the lady, 'you
+will only have sixpence left for the paint-box.'
+
+'What does a paint-box cost?' asked the child.
+
+'We have them of all prices,' replied the shopkeeper; 'from sixpence to
+seven shillings.'
+
+The little girl examined several with great care, and stood some time in
+deliberation; at last she said, 'I don't think Willy would like a
+sixpenny one.'
+
+'It would be of no use to him,' answered the lady. 'He draws well enough
+to want better colors. If you gave it to him, he would thank you and try
+to seem pleased, but he would not really care for it. However, he does
+not know that you thought of making him a birthday present, so you are
+at liberty to spend your money as you like.'
+
+'Would he care for a seven shilling one?' asked the little girl.
+
+'Yes; that is exactly what he wants.'
+
+'Then he shall have it,' exclaimed the good-natured little sister. 'Poor
+dear Willy, how many more amusements I have than he!'
+
+She bought the best paint-box, and received sixpence in change.
+
+'Is there any thing else I can show you?' asked the shopkeeper.
+
+'No, thank you,' she replied; and turning to the elder lady, she said,
+'May we go home at once, Mama? It would take me a long time to choose
+what I shall spend my sixpence in, and I should like to give Willy his
+paint-box directly.'
+
+'By all means,' answered the lady; 'we will lose no time; and I will
+bring you again to spend the sixpence whenever you please.'
+
+Without one backward glance towards the beautiful doll, the child
+tripped away by the side of her companion, looking the brightest and
+happiest of her kind.
+
+I pondered long upon this circumstance; how long I cannot say, for dolls
+are unable to measure time, they can only date from any particularly
+striking epochs. For instance, we can say, 'Such an affair happened
+before I lost my leg;' or, 'Such an event took place before my new wig
+was put on;' but of the intricate divisions known to mortals by the
+names of hours, days, months, &c., we have no idea.
+
+However, I meditated on the kind little sister during what appeared to
+me a long but not tedious period, for I was gratified at gaining some
+insight into the qualities proper to distinguish the human race.
+Readiness to show kindness, and a preference of others' interests to her
+own, were virtues which I easily perceived in the little girl's
+conduct; but one thing perplexed me sadly. I could not understand why a
+doll would not have answered her kind intentions as well as a paint-box;
+why could she not have bought the doll which she admired so much, and
+have given _that_ to her brother.
+
+My thoughts were still engaged with this subject, when a boy approached
+the stall. Boys were new characters to me, and I was glad of the
+opportunity to observe one. He did not bestow a look on the dolls and
+other toys, but asked for a box of carpenter's tools. The shopkeeper
+dived into some hidden recess under the counter, and produced a
+clumsy-looking chest, the merits of which I could not discover; but the
+boy pronounced it to be 'just the thing,' and willingly paid down its
+price. I followed him with my eyes as he walked about with his great box
+under his arm, looking from side to side, till he caught sight of
+another boy rather younger than himself, advancing from an opposite
+corner.
+
+'Why, Geoffrey,' exclaimed my first friend, 'where have you been all
+this time? I have been hunting every where for you.'
+
+Geoffrey did not immediately answer, his mouth being, as I perceived,
+quite full. When at last he could open his lips, he said, 'Will you have
+a cheesecake?'
+
+'No, thank you,' replied his friend. 'We must go home to dinner so soon,
+that you will scarcely have time to choose your things. Where _have_ you
+been?'
+
+'At the pastrycook's stall,' answered Geoffrey; 'and I must go back
+again before I can buy any thing. I left my five shillings there to be
+changed.'
+
+The boys returned together to the stall, and I saw its mistress hand a
+small coin to Geoffrey.
+
+'Where is the rest?' said he.
+
+'That is your change, sir,' she replied.
+
+'Why, you don't mean that those two or three tarts and jellies cost four
+and sixpence!' he exclaimed, turning as red as the rosiest doll at my
+side.
+
+'I think you will find it correct, sir,' answered the shopkeeper. 'Two
+jellies, sixpence each, make one shilling; two custards, sixpence each,
+two shillings; a bottle of ginger-beer, threepence, two and threepence;
+one raspberry cream, sixpence, two and ninepence; three gooseberry
+tarts, threepence, three shillings; two strawberry tarts, three and
+twopence; two raspberry ditto, three and fourpence; four cheesecakes,
+three and eightpence; two Bath buns, four shillings; and one lemon ice,
+four and sixpence.'
+
+'What a bother!' said Geoffrey, as he pocketed the small remains of his
+fortune. 'I wish I could give her some of the tarts back again, for they
+weren't half so nice as they looked, except just the first one or two.'
+
+'Because you were only hungry for the first one or two,' said the other
+boy. 'But it can't be helped now; come and spend the sixpence better.'
+
+'There won't be any thing worth buying for sixpence,' said Geoffrey
+gloomily, as he shuffled in a lazy manner towards my stall.
+
+'I want a spade,' said he.
+
+Several were produced, but they cost two shillings or half-a-crown.
+There were little wooden spades for sixpence; but from those he turned
+with contempt, saying they were only fit for babies. Nothing at our
+table suited him, and he walked towards our opposite neighbour, who sold
+books, maps, &c. On his asking for a dissected map, all the countries of
+the world were speedily offered to his choice; but alas! the price was
+again the obstacle. The cheapest map was half-a-crown; and Geoffrey's
+sixpence would buy nothing but a childish puzzle of Old Mother Hubbard.
+Geoffrey said it was a great shame that every thing should be either
+dear or stupid.
+
+'Can't you lend me some money, Ned?' continued he.
+
+'I can't, indeed,' replied the other; 'mine all went in this box of
+tools. Suppose you don't spend the sixpence at all now, but keep it till
+you get some more.'
+
+'No, I won't do that; I hate saving my money.'
+
+So saying, he wandered from stall to stall, asking the price of every
+thing, as if his purse was as full as his stomach.
+
+'How much is that sailor kite?' 'Two shillings, sir.'--'How much is that
+bat?' 'Seven and sixpence.'--'How much is that wooden box with secret
+drawer?' 'Three shillings.'
+
+'How provoking!' he exclaimed. 'I want heaps of things, and this stupid
+sixpence is no good at all.'
+
+'It is better than nothing,' said Edward. 'It is not every day that
+one's aunt sends one five shillings, to spend in the bazaar; and in
+common times sixpence is not to be despised. After all, there are plenty
+of things it will buy. Do you want a top?'
+
+'No; I've got four.'
+
+'Garden seeds?'
+
+'What is the use of them, when I can't get a spade?'
+
+'Steel pens? You said this morning you could not write with quills.'
+
+'I don't like buying those kind of things with my own money.'
+
+'A box? Yesterday you wanted a box.'
+
+'I don't care for boxes that won't lock, and I can't get one with a lock
+and key for sixpence.'
+
+'A knife?'
+
+'Sixpenny knives have only one blade; I want two.'
+
+'Sealing-wax? wafers? a penholder? a paint-box? India-rubber? pencils?'
+
+'Stupid things!'
+
+'A ball? You might have a very good ball.'
+
+'Not a cricket ball; and I don't care for any other.'
+
+'What a particular fellow you are! I am sure I could always find
+something to spend sixpence in. String? One is always wanting string.
+You may have a good ball of whipcord.'
+
+'These sort of places don't sell it.'
+
+'Then, I say again, keep your money till you want it.'
+
+'No, that I'll never do, when I came on purpose to spend it. After all,
+the only thing I can think of,' continued Geoffrey, after a pause, 'is
+to go back to the pastrycook's. There was one kind of tart I did not
+taste, and perhaps it would be nicer than the others. I'll give you one
+if you like.'
+
+'No, thank you; I am much obliged to you all the same; but I won't help
+you to spend your money in that way. Don't buy any more tarts. Come and
+walk about; there are plenty more shops to look at.'
+
+They sauntered on, but Geoffrey, by various turns, worked his way back
+to the pastrycook's; and as no persuasions could then bring him away,
+Edward walked off, not choosing, as he said, to encourage him.
+
+Presently I saw a tall gentleman enter the bazaar, and I wondered what
+he would buy. I did not then understand the difference between grown-up
+people and children, and as he approached my stall, I could not repress
+a hope that he would buy _me_. But his quick eye glanced over the tables
+without resting on any of the toys.
+
+'Can I show you any thing, sir?' said my mistress.
+
+'No, I am much obliged to you,' he answered, with a pleasant smile. 'I
+am only in search of some young people who, I dare say, have been better
+customers than I. Ah, here they are,' he continued, as the two boys of
+whom I had taken so much notice ran up to him from different ends of the
+room.
+
+'Well, boys,' said he, 'what have you bought? Must we hire a wagon to
+carry your property home?'
+
+'Not quite,' answered Edward. 'I have bought a wagon-load of amusement,
+but I can carry it home well enough myself; I have spent all my money in
+this box of tools.'
+
+'A very sensible and useful purchase,' said the gentleman; 'they will
+give you plenty of pleasant employment. The only objection is, that they
+are likely to be lost or broken at school.'
+
+'I do not mean to take them to school, papa. I shall use them in the
+holidays, and leave them with Willy when I go back to school; that was
+one reason why I bought them. Willy could do a good deal of
+carpentering on his sofa.'
+
+[Illustration: Page 25.]
+
+'True, my boy, and a kind thought. They will be a great amusement to
+poor Willy, and he will take good care of them for you.'
+
+'Now, Geoffrey, how have you invested your capital? I hope you have
+found a strong spade. It is fine weather for gardening.'
+
+'No, I haven't,' stammered Geoffrey.
+
+'Well, what have you bought?'
+
+'I don't know,' said Geoffrey.
+
+'Do you mean that you have not spent your money yet? Make haste, then,
+for I can only allow you five minutes more. I expected to find you ready
+to go home. Be brisk; there is every thing on that stall that the heart
+of boy can wish,' said the gentleman, pointing to my abode.
+
+But Geoffrey did not move. 'I don't want any thing,' said he at last.
+
+'What a fortunate boy!' said the gentleman; but he presently added,
+'Have you lost your money?'
+
+'No.'
+
+'Show it to me.'
+
+Geoffrey slowly produced his sixpence, almost hidden in the palm of his
+hand.
+
+'Where is the rest?' asked the gentleman. 'Have you spent it?'
+
+'Yes.'
+
+'And nothing to show for it? Nothing?'--and the gentleman looked at the
+boy more narrowly. 'Nothing,' said he again, 'except a few crumbs of
+pie-crust on your waistcoat? Oh, Geoffrey!'
+
+There was a short silence, and the boy colored a good deal; at last he
+said, 'It was my own money.'
+
+'You will wish it was your own again before long, I dare say,' said the
+gentleman. 'However, we must hope you will be wiser in time. Come home
+now to dinner.'
+
+'I don't want any dinner,' said Geoffrey.
+
+'Probably not, but Edward and I do. We have not dined on tarts; and I
+dare say Ned is as hungry as I am.'
+
+So saying, he led the way towards the door, leaving me, as usual,
+pondering over what had passed. One word used by the gentleman made a
+great impression on me--USEFUL.
+
+What could that mean? Various considerations were suggested by the
+question. Some things, it seemed, were useful, others not; and what
+puzzled me most was, that the very same things appeared to be useful to
+some people, and not to others. For instance, the sixpenny paint-box,
+which had been rejected as useless to Willy, was bought soon afterwards
+by a small boy, who said it would be the most useful toy he had.
+
+Could this be the case with every thing? Was it possible that every
+thing properly applied might have its use, and that its value depended
+upon those who used it? If so, why was Geoffrey blamed for spending his
+money in tarts? _He_ liked them. Perhaps he had plenty of food at home,
+and that uselessness consisted in a thing's not being really wanted. I
+revolved the subject in my mind, and tried to discover the use of every
+thing I saw, but I was not always successful. The subject was
+perplexing; and gradually all my thoughts became fixed on the point of
+most importance to myself--namely, my own use.
+
+How changed were my ideas since the time when I imagined the world to
+belong to dolls! Their whole race now seemed to be of very small
+importance; and as for my individual self, I could not be sure that I
+had any use at all, and still less _what_, or _to whom_.
+
+Day after day I lay on my counter unnoticed, except by the shopwoman who
+covered us up at night, and re-arranged us in the morning; and even this
+she did with such an indifferent air, that I could not flatter myself I
+was of the smallest use to _her_. Every necessary care was bestowed upon
+me in common with my companions; but I sighed for the tender attentions
+that I sometimes saw lavished by children upon their dolls, and wished
+that my mistress would nurse and caress me in the same manner.
+
+She never seemed to think of such a thing. She once said I was dusty,
+and whisked a brush over my face; but that was the only separate mark of
+interest I ever received from her. I had no reasonable ground of
+complaint, but I began to grow weary of the insipidity of my life, and
+to ask myself whether this could be my only destiny. Was I never to be
+of use to any body? From time to time other toys were carried away. Many
+a giddy top and lively ball left my side in childish company, and
+disappeared through those mysterious gates by which the busy human race
+entered our calm seclusion.
+
+At last even dolls had their day. The beautiful waxen princess no longer
+graced our dominions. She was bought by an elderly lady for a birthday
+present to a little grand-daughter; and on the very same day the 'old
+familiar faces' of six dolls who had long shared my counter vanished
+from my sight, one after another being bought and carried away.
+
+I was sorry to lose them, though while we lived together we had had our
+little miffs and jealousies. I had sometimes thought that the one with
+the red shoes was always sticking out her toes; that she of the flaxen
+ringlets was ready to let every breath of wind blow them over her
+neighbours' faces; that another with long legs took up more room than
+her share, much to my inconvenience. But now that they were all gone,
+and I never could hope to see them again, I would gladly have squeezed
+myself into as small compass as the baby doll in the walnut-shell, in
+order to make room for them once more.
+
+One thing, however, was satisfactory: dolls certainly had their use.
+Seven had been bought, and therefore why not an eighth? I had been
+sinking almost into a state of despondency, but now my hopes revived and
+my spirits rose. My turn might come.
+
+And my turn did come. Every circumstance of that eventful day is deeply
+impressed on my memory. I was as usual employed in making remarks upon
+the passing crowd, and wondering what might be the use of every body I
+saw, when I perceived the lady and the little girl who had been almost
+my first acquaintances among the human race. As they approached my
+stall, I heard the mama say, 'Have you decided what to buy with the
+sixpence?'
+
+'Oh yes, quite,' answered the child; 'I am going to buy a _sixpenny
+doll_.'
+
+The words thrilled through me; her eyes seemed fixed on mine, and the
+sixpence was between her fingers. I imagined myself bought. But she
+continued: 'I think, if you don't mind the trouble, I should like to go
+round the bazaar first, to see which are the prettiest.'
+
+'By all means,' replied the lady; and they walked on, carrying all my
+hopes with them.
+
+I had often fancied myself the prettiest doll of my size in the place;
+but such conceit would not support me now. I felt that there were
+dozens, nay scores, who more than equalled me; and all discontented
+notions of my neglected merit now sunk before the dread that I had
+really no merit to neglect.
+
+I began also to have some idea of what was meant by time. My past life
+had glided away so imperceptibly, that I did not know whether it had
+been long or short; but I learnt to count every moment while those two
+mortals were walking round the bazaar.
+
+I strained my eyes to catch sight of them again; but when at last they
+re-appeared, I scarcely dared to look, for fear of seeing a doll in the
+child's hands. But no; her hands were empty, except for the sixpence
+still between her finger and thumb.
+
+They came nearer--they stopped at another stall; I could not hear what
+they said, but they turned away, and once more stood opposite to me. The
+child remained for some moments as silent as myself, and then exclaimed,
+'After all, Mama, I don't think there are any prettier dolls than these
+in the whole room.'
+
+'What do you say to this one, Miss?' said our proprietor, taking up a
+great full-dressed Dutch doll, and laying her on the top of those of my
+size and class, completely hiding the poor little victims under her
+stiff muslin and broad ribbons.
+
+But on the child's answering, 'No, thank you, I only want a sixpenny
+doll not dressed,' the Dutch giantess was removed, and we once more
+asserted our humble claims.
+
+'That seems to me a very pretty one,' said the mama, pointing to my next
+neighbour. The child for a moment hesitated, but presently exclaimed in
+a joyful tone, 'Oh no, _this_ is the beauty of all; this little darling
+with the real hair and blue ribbon in it; I will take this one, if you
+please.' And before I could be sure that she meant me, I was removed
+from my place, wrapped up in paper, and consigned to her hands. My
+long-cherished wishes were fulfilled, and I was bought. At first I could
+scarcely believe it. Notwithstanding all my planning and looking
+forward to this event, now that it really happened, I could not
+understand it. My senses seemed gone. What had so long occupied my mind
+was the work of a moment; but that moment was irrevocable, and my fate
+was decided. In my little mistress' hands I passed the boundaries of the
+world of toys, and entered upon a new state of existence.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+A very different life now opened before me. I had no longer any pretence
+for complaining of neglect. My young mistress devoted every spare moment
+to the enjoyment of my company, and set no limits to her caresses and
+compliments; while I in return regarded her with all the gratitude and
+affection which a doll can feel. My faculties as well as my feelings
+were called into fresh exercise; for though I had no longer the wide
+range of observation afforded by the daily crowd of strangers in the
+bazaar, I had the new advantage of making intimate acquaintance with a
+small circle of friends.
+
+Having hitherto been so completely without any position in the world, I
+could not at first help feeling rather shy at the idea of taking my
+place as member of a family; and it was therefore a relief to find that
+my lot was not cast amongst total strangers, but that I had already some
+slight clue to the characters of my future companions.
+
+My mistress, whose name was Rose, was sister to the Willy for whom she
+had bought the paint-box, and also to Edward, the purchaser of the
+tools. Geoffrey, the lover of tarts, was a cousin on a visit to them for
+the holidays; and they had also an elder sister named Margaret; besides
+their papa and mama, whom I had seen in the bazaar.
+
+The first of the family to whom I was introduced was Willy, and I soon
+became much interested in him. He was a pale thin boy, who spent the day
+on a sofa, to and from which he was carried in the morning and at night.
+In fine weather he went out in a wheel-chair; but he was unable to move,
+without help, and was obliged to endure many privations. Though he often
+looked suffering and weary, he was cheerful and patient, and always
+seemed pleased to hear other children describe enjoyments in which he
+could not share. Every body was fond of Willy, and anxious to amuse and
+comfort him. All that happened out of doors was told to him; all the
+kindest friends and pleasantest visitors came to see him; the new books
+were brought to him to read first; the best fruit and flowers always set
+apart for him; and all the in-door occupations arranged as much as
+possible with a view to his convenience. He and his little sister Rose
+were the dearest friends in the world, and certain to take part in
+whatever interested each other. As soon as Rose brought me home from the
+Pantheon, she ran up stairs with me to Willy, whom I then saw for the
+first time, sitting on the sofa with his feet up, and a table before
+him, on which stood several books, and my old acquaintances the
+paint-box and the chest of tools.
+
+'Look at this, Willy; is not this pretty?' exclaimed Rose, laying me
+down on his open book.
+
+Willy looked up with a pleasant smile: 'Very pretty,' he answered. 'I
+suppose she is to be the lady of the new house; and with Ned's tools, I
+hope to make some furniture worth her acceptance.'
+
+'Oh, thank you, Willy dear. And will you help me to choose a name for
+her? What do you think the prettiest name you know?'
+
+'_Rose_,' answered Willy, laughing; 'but I suppose that will not do. I
+dare say you want something very fine and out-of-the-way.'
+
+'As fine as can be,' replied Rose; 'I have been thinking of Seraphina or
+Wilhelmina: which do you like best?'
+
+'Call it Molly,' cried Edward, who just then entered the room; 'Molly
+and Betty are the best names: no nonsense in them.'
+
+'Call it Stupid Donkey,' mumbled a voice behind him; and Geoffrey
+advanced, his mouth as usual full of something besides words. 'Have any
+nuts, Willy?' he asked, holding out a handful.
+
+'No, thank you,' answered Willy; 'I must not eat them.'
+
+'I wouldn't be you, I know,' said Geoffrey, cracking one between his
+teeth; 'never let to eat any thing but what's wholesome, and always
+reading, or doing something stupid. I believe you are helping Rose to
+play with that doll now. Put it into the fire; that is the way to treat
+dolls. Stupid things. I hate 'em!'
+
+'Pray do not touch it, Geoffrey,' said Rose.
+
+'Leave it alone, Geff,' said Edward. 'You have your things, and Rose has
+hers. I don't see the fun of dolls myself, but she does, and nobody
+shall interfere with her while I am here to protect her. Just remember
+that, will you?'
+
+'The d-o-ll!' said Geoffrey, drawling the word, and making a face as if
+the pronouncing it turned him quite sick. 'Oh, the sweet doll! Perhaps
+you would like to stay and play with Rose, and Willy, and the d-o-ll,
+instead of coming out to cricket.'
+
+'Nonsense, you foolish fellow, you know better,' answered Edward. 'But I
+won't have Rose bullied; and what's more, I won't have Willy quizzed. I
+should like to see you or me pass such an examination as Willy could if
+he were at school. Why, he can learn as much in a day as we do in a
+week.'
+
+'Well, he is welcome to learn as much as he likes,' said Geoffrey; 'and
+let's you and I go and play. What stupid nuts these are! I've almost
+cracked one of my teeth with cracking them.'
+
+The boys ran off; and presently there came into the room the papa and
+mama, whom I already knew, and a young lady very like Rose, but older. I
+found she was Margaret, the eldest sister. They inquired whether Willy
+wanted any thing before they went out; and Margaret fetched a drawing
+that he wished to copy, while his father and mother wheeled his sofa and
+table nearer the window, that he might have more light. When he was made
+quite comfortable, they told Rose that she might stay and take care of
+him till they returned; and she said she would bring her box of scraps
+and begin dressing me. Then I came in for my share of notice, and had
+every reason to be satisfied with the praises bestowed on me. The mama
+said that I deserved very neatly-made clothes; the papa, that my hair
+would be a pattern for Margaret's; and Margaret said I was charming, and
+that she would make me a pink satin gown.
+
+They admired the name _Seraphina_, though the papa suggested various
+others which he thought might suit Rose's taste,--Sophonisba, Cleopatra,
+Araminta, Dulcinea, Ethelinda, &c.; but as she remained steady to her
+first choice, the LADY SERAPHINA was decided to be thenceforth my name
+and title.
+
+And now began the real business of my life. I was no longer doomed to
+fret at being of no use, for the object of my existence was plain
+enough, namely, to give innocent recreation to my young mistress when
+at leisure from her more serious employments. Every day she spent some
+hours in study with her mother or sister; and she would fly to me for
+relief between her lessons, and return to them with more vigor after
+passing a little time in my refreshing company. She often showed her
+tasks to me, and discussed their difficulties. I think she repeated the
+multiplication-table to me nearly a hundred times, while I sat on the
+_Tutor's Assistant_ waiting for the recurrence of the fatal words,
+'Seven times nine.' Day after day she could get no farther; but as soon
+as she came to 'Seven times nine,' I was turned off the book, which had
+to be consulted for the answer.
+
+At last, one day she came running into the room in great glee,
+exclaiming, 'I have done the multiplication-table. I have said it quite
+right, sixty-three and all. I made no mistake even in dodging. And _you_
+helped me, my darling Lady Seraphina. I never could have learned it
+perfect if you had not heard me say it so often. And now, look at your
+rewards. Margaret has made you a bonnet, and Willy has made you an
+arm-chair.'
+
+Beautiful, indeed, was the bonnet, and commodious the arm-chair; and I
+wore the one and reclined in the other all the time Rose was learning
+the French auxiliary verbs _etre_ and _avoir_. I flattered myself I was
+of as much use in them as in the multiplication-table; but I do not
+recollect receiving any particular recompense. Indeed, after a little
+time, it would have been difficult to know what to give me, for I
+possessed every thing that a doll's heart could wish, or her head
+imagine. Such a variety of elegant dresses as Rose made for me would
+have been the envy of all my old friends in the bazaar. I had gowns of
+pink satin and white satin; blue silk and yellow silk; colored muslins
+without number, and splendid white lace. Bonnets enough to furnish a
+milliner's shop were mine; but I was not so partial to them as to my
+gowns, because they tumbled my hair.
+
+I believe a good many of my possessions were presents from Margaret to
+Rose on account of perfect lessons; but in course of time, I ceased to
+superintend Rose's studies. Margaret said that I interrupted the course
+of history; and the mama said that Rose was old enough to learn her
+lessons without bringing her play into them, and that I must be put away
+during school hours.
+
+Though I did not think that the fault was altogether mine, I quite
+acquiesced in the wisdom of this decree; for during Rose's last
+reading-lesson she had stopped so often to ask me which I liked best,
+Lycurgus or Solon, Pericles or Alcibiades, &c., that Margaret was almost
+out of patience. And though I made no answer, and had really no choice
+at all between the characters, I felt that I rather hindered business.
+
+I was therefore now left to myself for several hours in the morning; but
+I found ample and pleasant employment in surveying the comforts and
+beauties of my habitation. For I was not forced to perform the part of
+an insignificant pigmy in the vast abodes of the colossal race of man: I
+possessed a beautiful little house proportioned to my size, pleasantly
+situated on a table in the furthest corner of the schoolroom, and
+commanding an extensive view of the whole apartment.
+
+I must describe my house at full length. It had been originally, as I
+heard, a mere rough packing-case; but what of that? The best brick house
+in London was once but clay in the fields; and my packing-case was now
+painted outside and papered inside, and fitted up in a manner every way
+suitable for the occupation of a doll of distinction.
+
+My drawing-room was charming; light and cheerful, the walls papered with
+white and gold, and the floor covered with a drab carpet worked with
+flowers of every hue. Rose worked the carpet herself under the
+directions of Margaret, who prevailed on her to learn worsted-work for
+my sake. So there, again, how useful I was! From the ceiling hung a
+brilliant glass chandelier, a birthday present from Edward to Rose; and
+the mantel-piece was adorned by a splendid mirror cut out of a broken
+looking-glass by Willy, and framed by his hands. I cannot say that Willy
+ever seemed to care for me personally, but he took considerable interest
+in my upholstery, and much of my handsomest furniture was manufactured
+by him. He made my dining-room and drawing-room tables; the frames of my
+chairs, which were covered with silk by Margaret; my sofa, and my
+four-post bedstead; and it was he who painted the floor-cloth in my
+hall, and the capital picture of the Queen and Prince Albert which hung
+over the dining-room chimney-piece. I had a snug bed-room, containing a
+bed with pink curtains, a toilette-table, with a handsome looking-glass,
+pincushion, and rather large brush and comb; a washing-stand,
+towel-horse, chest of drawers, and wardrobe. But the last two, I must
+confess, were rather for show than for use. They were French-polished,
+and in appearance convenient as well as handsome, but in reality too
+small to hold my clothes. A few minor articles of dress were kept in
+them; but the mass of my gorgeous attire was always in larger boxes and
+trunks belonging to my mistress; her work-box, for instance, and at one
+time her desk; but her mama turned all my gowns out of the latter when
+she banished me from the lessons, and desired that, for the future, only
+writing materials should be kept in it. 'Every thing in its proper
+place, Rose,' I heard her say. 'You have plenty of little boxes for
+doll's clothes; and your doll ought to teach you to be more tidy instead
+of less so.'
+
+My dining-room was well adapted for all the purposes of hospitality,
+being furnished with a substantial dining-table, chairs, and a
+sideboard, on which there always stood two trays, one filled with
+decanters and wine-glasses, and the other with knives and forks.
+
+My kitchen was resplendent with saucepans, kettles, pots and pans, and
+plates and dishes, ranged upon the dresser, or hung from the walls. A
+joint of meat was always roasting before the fire, and a cook of my own
+race appeared to spend her life in basting it, for I never failed to
+find her thus employed when Rose was so kind as to take me into my
+kitchen. There was also a footman, who sat for ever in the hall; and I
+was inclined to consider him rather wanting in respect, till I
+discovered that, owing to a broken leg, he was unable to stand. I did
+not quite comprehend the use of my servants, as Rose herself did all the
+work of my house; but she said they were indispensable, and that if it
+were not for want of room, I should have a great many more.
+
+Besides all these arrangements for my comfort in-doors, I possessed a
+beautiful open phaeton, emblazoned with the royal arms of England, and
+drawn by four piebald horses with long tails, so spirited that they
+never left off prancing. Every day, after school-time, Rose brought
+this equipage to my door; and the four horses stood with their eight
+front feet in the air while I was dressed for my drive. Then, attired in
+my last new bonnet and cloak, I sat in state in my carriage, and was
+drawn round and round the room by Rose, till she said I was tired. She
+made many attempts to persuade the lame footman to stand on the
+footboard behind, but she never could manage it. He was a very helpless
+creature; and I am not quite certain that he even did his best, little
+as that might be. The first time Rose set him up behind the carriage, he
+tumbled head over heels into the middle of it, and stood there on his
+head till she picked him out again. Then he fell off behind, then on one
+side, and then on the other, till she was quite tired of his foolish
+tricks, and left him to sit quietly and stupidly in his old place in the
+hall.
+
+I lived in great comfort in my pleasant house, and being of a cheerful,
+contented temper, never felt lonely, although left to myself during
+great part of the day; for Rose was very obedient to her Mama's orders,
+and even if now and then tempted to forget the regulation herself, Willy
+was always at hand to remind her, and help to fix her attention on her
+business. But when it was all over, she flew to me with redoubled
+pleasure.
+
+One day she said to me, 'My dear Seraphina, I am afraid you must be very
+dull, alone all the morning.' I longed to assure her of the contrary;
+but not having the gift of speech, I could only listen submissively
+while she continued: 'It is a pity that you should sit doing nothing and
+wasting your time; so I have brought you some books, which you are to
+read while I am at my lessons; and I shall expect you to learn just as
+much as I do.'
+
+So saying, she seated me on my sofa, and placing a table with the books
+before me, 'Look,' continued she, 'I have made them for you myself, and
+covered them with these pretty red and green papers. This is your
+English History, and this is your French Grammar; and here is a
+Geography Book, and here is a History of Rome. Now read attentively, and
+do not let your thoughts wander; and be very careful not to dogs-ear the
+leaves: that always looks like a dunce. And mind you sit upright,' added
+she, looking back, as she left the room in obedience to a summons from
+her sister.
+
+I obeyed to the best of my power. To be sure, I did not know which was
+geography and which was grammar; and English and Roman history were both
+alike to me. But I did as I was bid. I sat upright in the place
+appointed me, staring as hard as I could at the open pages; and my worst
+enemy could not accuse me of dogs-earing a single leaf.
+
+When my mistress returned, she pleased me much by calling me a very good
+girl, and saying that if I continued to take so much pains, I could not
+fail to improve. On hearing this, Willy laughed, and said he hoped that
+that was a duplicate of Margaret's last speech; and Rose looked very
+happy, and answered that not only Margaret, but Mama had said the same.
+
+This was not my only duplicate of Rose's adventures. My education
+appeared to be conducted precisely on the same plan as her own. Before
+long, she brought a little pianoforte and set it up in my drawing-room.
+I thought it rather hid the pretty paper, but it was a handsome piece of
+furniture.
+
+'Now, Lady Seraphina,' said Rose, 'I am obliged to practise for an hour
+every day, and you must do the same. See what a pretty piano I have
+given you. You need not mind its being meant for a housewife and
+pincushion; the notes are marked, and that is all you want. Now practise
+your scales, and be very careful to play right notes and count your
+time.'
+
+I sat at my piano with all due diligence, but I am sorry to say that my
+progress did not seem satisfactory. One day Rose said that she was sure
+I had forgotten to count; and another day, that I hurried the easy bars
+and slackened the difficult ones; then she accused me of not caring
+whether I played right notes or wrong, and torturing her ear by my false
+chords; then I banged the notes till I broke the strings: in short,
+there was no end to her complaints, till at last she wound them all up
+by declaring that both she and I hated music, and that if Mama and
+Margaret would take her advice, we should both leave it off.
+
+But still I practised regularly, and so, I suppose, did Rose; and
+gradually her reproaches diminished, and she grew more contented with
+me; and we both persevered, till she said that really, after all, I
+seemed to have a good ear, and to be likely to make a very respectable
+player.
+
+'But you know it all depends upon yourself, Seraphina; your present
+improvement is the result of pains and practice. Pains and practice will
+do any thing.'
+
+It was fortunate for me that I had so careful a superintendent as Rose;
+for unless she had kept a constant watch over me, there is no saying
+how many awkward habits I might unconsciously have contracted. But she
+cured me of poking my head forward, of standing on one leg, of tilting
+my chair, of meddling with things that were not my own, of leaning
+against the furniture while I was speaking, of putting my elbows on the
+table, of biting my nails, of spilling my tea, and of making crumbs on
+the floor.
+
+I cannot say I was myself aware either of the faults or their cure; but
+I think one seldom does notice one's own faults, and therefore it is a
+great advantage to have kind friends who will point them out to us. I
+believed Rose when she told me of mine; so I had a right to believe her
+when she gave me the agreeable assurance of their cure, and to indulge
+the hope that I was becoming a pleasing, well-bred little doll.
+
+On one mortifying occasion, however, I must own that Rose's anxiety for
+my always following in her steps was the cause of a serious injury to
+me. She remarked that I had got into a horrid way of kicking off my
+shoes while I was learning my poetry; and she thought the best cure
+would be to make me wear sandals. I observed that she was sewing sandals
+to her own shoes at the time, and she consulted Willy about some means
+of doing the same by mine. Willy held me head downwards, and examined my
+feet. My shoes were painted, therefore sewing was out of the question.
+He advised glue. This was tried, but it came through the thin narrow
+ribbon of which my sandals were to be made, and looked very dirty. They
+were taken off; but the operation had spoilt the delicacy of my white
+stockings, and Rose said it was impossible to let me go such an untidy
+figure; we must try some other way. She asked Willy to lend her a
+gimlet, that she might bore holes at the sides of my feet, and glue the
+ribbon into them, so as not to show the glue. Willy said she was welcome
+to the gimlet, but that he advised her to leave it alone, for that she
+would only break my feet. But Rose would not be dissuaded, and began
+boring.
+
+It was on this occasion that I most peculiarly felt the advantage of
+that insensibility to pain which distinguishes my race. What mortal
+could have borne such an infliction without struggling and screaming? I,
+on the contrary, took it all in good part, and showed no signs of
+feeling even at the fatal moment when my foot snapped in two, and Rose,
+with a face of utter dismay, held up my own toes before my eyes.
+
+'Oh, my poor Seraphina!' she exclaimed, 'what shall we do?'
+
+'Glue it on again,' said Willy. 'You had better have taken my advice at
+first, but now you must make the best of it. Glue is your only friend.'
+
+So Rose glued the halves of my foot together, lamenting over me, and
+blaming herself so much all the time, that it seemed rather a comfort to
+her when Margaret, coming into the room, agreed with her that she had
+been foolish and awkward. Margaret said that ribbon might have been tied
+over my feet from the first, without using glue or gimlet either; and
+Rose called herself more stupid than ever, for not having thought of
+such an easy contrivance.
+
+My foot was glued, and for the purpose of standing, answered as well as
+ever; and Rose sewed me up in a pair of blue silk boots, and declared
+that I was prettier than before; and my misfortune was soon forgotten by
+every body but myself. I, however, could not but feel a misgiving that
+this was the first warning of my share in the invariable fate of my
+race. For I had already lived long enough to be aware that the existence
+of a doll, like that of every thing else, has its limits. Either by
+sudden accidents, such as loss of limbs, or by the daily wear and tear
+of life, decay gradually makes its progress in us, and we fade away as
+surely as the most delicate of the fragile race of mortals.
+
+Though the fracture of my foot was my own first misfortune, I had had
+opportunities of remarking the casualties to which dolls are liable. For
+it is not to be supposed that our devotion to human beings precludes us
+from cultivating the society of our own species. Dolls will be dolls;
+and they have a natural sympathy with each other, notwithstanding the
+companionship of the race of man. Most little girls are aware of this
+fact, and provide suitable society for their dolls. I myself had a large
+circle of silent acquaintances, to whom I was introduced by Rose's
+kindness and consideration. When other little girls came to drink tea
+with her, they often brought their dolls to spend the evening with me;
+and among them I had more than once the pleasure of recognising an old
+friend from the bazaar.
+
+Then I was in my glory. There was a constant supply of provisions in my
+larder; and at a moment's notice Rose would produce an excellent dinner,
+all ready cooked, and dished in a beautiful little china dinner-service.
+Willy compared her to the genius of Aladdin's lamp; and though I did not
+know what that might mean, I quite understood the advantage of being
+able to set such a banquet before my friends. I could always command
+salmon, a pair of soles, a leg of mutton, a leg of pork, a turkey, a
+pair of boiled fowls, a ham, a sucking pig, a hare, a loaf of bread, a
+fine Cheshire cheese, several pies, and a great variety of fruit, which
+was always ripe and in season, winter or summer. Rose's papa once
+observed that his hothouse produced none so fine; for the currants were
+as large as apples, and two cherries filled a dish.
+
+Rose and her companions performed the active duties of waiting at table
+on these occasions; but the lame footman was generally brought out of
+the hall, and propped up against the sideboard, where he stood looking
+respectable but awkward.
+
+At these pleasant parties I saw a great range of characters, for Rose's
+young visitors were various in their tastes, and their dolls used to be
+dressed in every known costume. Besides plenty of pretty English
+damsels, I was introduced now to a Turkish sultana, now to a Swiss
+peasant; one day to a captain in the British army, another day to an
+Indian rajah. One young lady liked to make her dolls personate
+celebrated characters; and when she visited us, most distinguished
+guests graced my table. I have had the honor of receiving the Queen and
+Prince Albert themselves; the Duke of Wellington, Sir Walter Scott, and
+Miss Edgeworth, have all dined with me on the same day, and Robinson
+Crusoe came in the evening.
+
+But it was at these social meetings that I became most fully aware of
+the liability of dolls to loss of limbs. I never remember giving a party
+at which the guests could boast of possessing all their legs and arms.
+Many an ingenious contrivance hid or supplied the deficiencies, and we
+were happy in spite of our losses; still, such was the case: and I saw
+that dolls, however beloved and respected, could not last for ever.
+
+For some time after my accident I had no particular adventures. I lived
+in peace and plenty, and amused myself with watching the family. They
+were all amiable and easy to understand, except Geoffrey; but he was a
+complete puzzle to me, and it was long before I could make out why he
+was so different from the rest.
+
+The others all seemed to like to help and please one another, but
+Geoffrey never seemed happy unless he was making himself disagreeable.
+If Willy was interested in a book, he was obliged to sit upon the second
+volume, or Geoffrey would be sure to run away with it. If Edward was in
+a hurry to go out, Geoffrey would hide his cap, and keep him a quarter
+of an hour hunting for it. The girls dared not leave their worsted-work
+within his reach for a moment; for he would unravel the canvass, or chop
+up the wool, or go on with the work after a pattern of his own
+composing, so that they would be obliged to spend half an hour in
+unpicking his cobbling.
+
+Margaret remonstrated with him in private, and made excuses for him in
+public, and did her best to prevent his tiresome tricks from annoying
+Willy; Edward tried rougher means of keeping him in order, which
+sometimes succeeded; but still he could find plenty of opportunities of
+being a torment: people always can when such is their taste.
+
+One day Margaret was keeping Willy company, while the rest of the party
+were gone to the Zoological Gardens. She had brought a drawing to
+finish, as he liked to see her draw, and was sometimes useful in
+suggesting improvements. But while they were thus employed, Margaret was
+summoned to some visitors, and went away, saying that her drawing would
+just have time to dry before she returned.
+
+But unfortunately, during her absence, Geoffrey came home. He had grown
+tired of the Gardens, which he had seen very often, and rather hungry,
+as he generally was; so after amusing himself by eating the cakes he had
+bought for the bear, he had nothing more to do, and tried to persuade
+his cousins to be tired also. But Edward was making himself agreeable to
+the monkeys, Rose was cultivating the friendship of the elephant, and
+their Papa and Mama were waiting to see the hippopotamus bathe; so that
+Geoffrey's proposals of leaving the Gardens were scouted, and he could
+only obtain leave from his uncle to go home by himself.
+
+He entered the room, as usual, with his mouth full, having spent his
+last penny in a piece of cocoanut as he came along the streets. While
+the cocoanut lasted, he was employed to his satisfaction; but when that
+was finished, he was again at a loss for something to do. He tried
+walking round the room on one leg, working heel and toe, and that
+succeeded very well, and did no harm till he unluckily came to the
+drawing-table, when he immediately brought himself to a stand on both
+feet.
+
+'Hallo!' cried he, 'here's a daub! Is this your splendid performance,
+Will?'
+
+'No,' replied Willy, 'it is Margaret's; and mind you don't touch it by
+accident, because it is wet.'
+
+'Touch it by accident!' exclaimed Geoffrey; 'I am going to touch it on
+purpose. I wonder Margaret is not ashamed to do it so badly. I'll
+improve it for her. How kind of me!'
+
+Poor Willy, in dismay, tried to secure the drawing, but he could not
+move from his sofa, and Geoffrey danced round him, holding it at
+arm's-length. Then Willy caught at the bell-rope, but his mischievous
+cousin snatched it quicker, and tied it up out of his reach. Willy
+called all the servants as loud as he could, but no one was within
+hearing; and he threw himself back on his sofa, in despair, exclaiming,
+'How can you be so ill-natured, when Margaret is always so kind to you?'
+
+'Ill-natured!' answered the other; 'I'm doing her a favor. She admired
+the moonlight in the Diorama; now I shall make just such a moon in her
+drawing.' And while he spoke, a great yellow moon, like a guinea, rose
+in the midst of poor Margaret's brilliant sunset.
+
+'That's the thing,' said Geoffrey; 'and now I shall put the cow jumping
+over it, and the little dog laughing to see such sport. Some figures
+always improve the foreground.'
+
+'Oh, you have quite spoilt it!' cried Willy. 'How I wish I could stop
+you! I cannot imagine how you can like to be so mischievous and
+disagreeable. Oh, if Margaret would but come back.'
+
+At last Margaret came, and the troublesome Geoffrey expected great
+amusement from her displeasure; but he was disappointed. Margaret was
+one of those generous people who never resent an injury done to
+themselves. If Geoffrey had spoilt any body else's drawing, she would
+have been the first to punish him; but now she was much more vexed at
+Willy's distress than at the destruction of her own work, and instead of
+scolding Geoffrey, she gave herself up to consoling Willy. She assured
+him that there was no great harm done. She said the drawing was good for
+very little, and that she would copy it and improve it so much that he
+should be quite glad of the disaster; and she made a present of the
+spoilt drawing to Geoffrey, telling him she was sure he would one day
+be ashamed of so foolish a performance, but that meanwhile he might keep
+it as a specimen of his taste. He had not the manners to apologize, but
+he looked very silly and crest-fallen, and left the room in silence,
+with the drawing in his hand.
+
+When he was gone, Willy exclaimed, 'If it were not for losing Edward, I
+should wish the holidays were over; Geoffrey is so disagreeable.'
+
+'He is very thoughtless,' Margaret replied; 'but we must not be too hard
+upon him. Let us recollect that he has no parents to teach him better,
+nor brothers and sisters to call forth his consideration for others.
+Poor Geoffrey has had neither example nor precept till now. But now Papa
+and Mama give him good precepts; and if we try to set him good examples,
+perhaps we may help him to improve.'
+
+'Well, I'll hope for the best, and do what I can,' said Willy.
+'Certainly he has some good qualities. He is as brave as a lion; and he
+is good-natured about giving away his own things, though he is so
+mischievous with other people's.'
+
+'And he is clever in his way, notwithstanding his idleness,' added
+Margaret. 'Those foolish figures that he put into my drawing were
+uncommonly well done, though they were provoking to us.'
+
+'You are the best girl in the world,' said Willy; 'and if you think
+Geoffrey will improve, I'll think so too; but you must own there is room
+for it.'
+
+Perhaps Geoffrey did improve, but it seemed slow work, faults being more
+easily acquired than cured; and for a long time I could perceive no
+difference in him. Indeed, as his next piece of mischief concerned
+myself, I thought him worse than ever.
+
+I have often wondered at the extreme dislike which boys have to dolls. I
+was the most inoffensive creature possible, giving myself no airs, and
+interfering with nobody; yet even the gentle Willy was indifferent to
+me. Edward, though he protected Rose in her patronage of me, despised
+me thoroughly himself; and Geoffrey never lost an opportunity of
+expressing his mortal hatred to me. I shrunk from Edward's contemptuous
+notice, but I was not at all afraid of him, well knowing that neither he
+nor Willy would hurt a hair of my head; but whenever Geoffrey came into
+the room, terror seized my mind. He never passed my house without making
+all kinds of ugly faces at me; and I felt instinctively that nothing but
+the presence of the other boys restrained him from doing me any harm in
+his power.
+
+I had hitherto never been alone with him, but at last the fatal moment
+arrived. One fine afternoon, Willy went out for a drive in his
+wheel-chair, Edward insisting upon drawing it himself, and the two girls
+walking on each side. Geoffrey accompanied them, intending to walk with
+them part of the way, and to go on by himself when he was tired of the
+slow pace of the chair. All seemed safe, and I hoped to enjoy a few
+hours of uninterrupted leisure. I always liked having my time to
+myself; and as Rose had set me no lessons, I reposed comfortably in my
+arm-chair by a blazing fire of black and red cloth, from the glare of
+which I was sheltered by a screen. My dog sat at my side, my cat lay at
+my feet, and I was as happy as a doll could be.
+
+Suddenly the silence was broken by a sound as of a turkey gabbling in
+the hall; presently this changed to a duck quacking on the stairs; then
+a cock crew on the landing-place, and a goose hissed close to the
+schoolroom door. I guessed but too well what these ominous sounds
+portended, and my heart sunk within me as the door burst open, and my
+dreaded enemy banged into the room.
+
+'Why, they are not come home yet!' exclaimed he; 'so my talents have
+been wasted. I meant to have made them bid me not make every different
+noise. When they said, "Don't hiss," I would have crowed; and when they
+said, "Don't crow," I would have quacked, or barked, or bellowed, or
+mewed, till I had gone through all the noises I know. Now I have
+nothing to do.'
+
+He walked to the window and looked out.
+
+'What a stupid street it is!' said he. 'If my uncle had not taken away
+my squirt, I would squirt at the people.'
+
+Then he yawned, and sauntered to the bookcase. 'What stupid books! I
+wonder any body can write them. I wish Edward had left his tools out; I
+should like to plane the top of the shelf. How stupid it is having
+nothing to do!'
+
+As he spoke, I shuddered to see him approaching my end of the room. He
+came nearer; he made a full stop in front of me, and looked me in the
+face.
+
+'You stupid, ugly thing,' he exclaimed, 'don't stare so. I hate to have
+a doll's eyes goggling at me.'
+
+Gladly would I have withdrawn my eyes, if possible. But they had been
+painted wide open, and what could I do? I never was so ashamed of them
+in my life; but I had no control over them, so I stared on, and he grew
+more indignant.
+
+'If you don't leave off,' he cried, 'I'll poke out your eyes, as I did
+those of the ugly picture in my room. I won't be stared at.'
+
+I longed for the gift of speech to represent to him, that if he would
+but leave off looking at me, I should give him no offence; but alas, I
+was silent, and could only stare as hard as ever.
+
+'Oh, you will, will you?' said he 'then I know what I'll do: I'll hang
+you.'
+
+In vain I hoped for the return of the rest of the party. I listened
+anxiously for every sound, but no friendly step or voice was near, and I
+was completely in his power.
+
+He began rummaging his pockets, grinning and making faces at me all the
+time. Presently he drew forth a long piece of string, extremely dirty,
+looking as if it had been trailed in the mud.
+
+'Now for it,' he exclaimed; 'now you shall receive the reward of all
+your stupidity and affectation. I do think dolls are the most affected
+creatures on the face of the earth.'
+
+He laid hold of me by my head, pushing my wig on one side. Alas for my
+beautiful hair, it was disarranged for ever! But that was a trifle
+compared with what followed. He tied one end of his muddy string round
+my neck, drawing it so tight that I foresaw I should be marked for life,
+and hung the other end to a nail in the wall.
+
+There I dangled, while he laughed and quizzed me, adding insult to
+injury. He twisted the string as tight as possible, and then let it
+whirl round and round till it was all untwisted again. I banged against
+the wall as I spun like a top, and wished that I could sleep like a top
+too. But I was wide awake to my misfortunes; and each interval of
+stillness, when the string was untwisted, only enhanced them, by showing
+in painful contrast the happy home whence I had been torn. For I was
+hung on the wall directly opposite my own house; and from my wretched
+nail I could distinguish every room in it. Between my twirls I saw my
+pretty drawing-room, with its comfortable arm-chair now vacant; and my
+convenient kitchen, with my respectable cook peacefully basting her
+perpetual mutton; I envied even my lame footman quietly seated in his
+chimney-corner, and felt that I had never truly valued the advantages of
+my home till now. Would they ever be restored to me? Should I once again
+be under the protection of my kind and gentle mistress, or was I
+Geoffrey's slave for ever?
+
+[Illustration: Page 72]
+
+These melancholy thoughts were interrupted by a step on the stairs.
+'Hallo!' cried Geoffrey, 'who would have thought of their coming home
+just now?' and he was going to lift me down from my nail; but when the
+door opened, the housemaid came in alone, and he changed his mind.
+
+'Why, Master Geoffrey,' said she, 'what are you doing here all alone?
+Some mischief, I'll be bound.'
+
+'Bow, wow, wow,' answered he, dancing and playing all sorts of antics to
+prevent her seeing me.
+
+'Come,' said she, 'those tricks won't go down with me. The more lively
+you are, the more I know you've been after something you ought to have
+let alone.'
+
+'Hee haw, hee haw,' said Geoffrey, twitching her gown, and braying like
+a donkey.
+
+'Well, you're speaking in your own voice at last,' said she, laughing.
+'But let go of my gown, if you please; you are big enough to walk by
+yourself, and I want to set the room to rights. There's some young
+ladies coming to tea with Miss Rose.'
+
+She bustled about, dusting and putting every thing in order, and talking
+all the time, partly to Geoffrey and partly to herself, about the blacks
+that came in at the windows, and made a place want dusting a dozen times
+a day, when her eye fell on my unfortunate figure, which my persecutor
+had just set swinging like the pendulum of a clock. I was a deplorable
+object. He had forced me into the most awkward attitude he could invent.
+My arms were turned round in their sockets, one stretched towards the
+ceiling, the other at full length on one side. I was forced to kick one
+leg out in front, and the other behind; and my knees were bent up the
+wrong way. My wig had fallen off altogether from my head, and was now
+perched upon my toe. I was still swinging, when Sarah caught sight of
+me. She looked at me for a moment, and then turned round, opening her
+eyes at Geoffrey much wider than I had ever done.
+
+'Why, you audacious, aggravating boy!' she exclaimed, making a dash at
+him with her duster; but he ran away laughing, and she was obliged to
+finish her speech to herself.
+
+'To think of his being so mischievous and ill-natured! What will poor
+Miss Rose say! To be sure, there is nothing boys won't do; their equals
+for perverseness don't walk the earth. Though I ought not to speak
+against them, while there's Master William and Master Edward to
+contradict me. They are boys, to be sure; but as for that Geoffrey!' And
+here she shook her head in silence, as if Geoffrey's delinquencies were
+beyond the power of words to express.
+
+She then released me; and after restoring my limbs to their proper
+position, and smoothing my discomposed dress, she laid me gently on my
+bed, and placed my wig on my pillow beside me, with many kind
+expressions of pity and good-will.
+
+Repose was indeed needful after so agitating an adventure; and I was
+glad to be left quiet till the young people came in from their walk. I
+composed my ruffled spirits as well as I could; but I found it
+impossible not to be nervous at the idea of Rose's first seeing me in
+such a plight, and I anxiously awaited her return. They came in at last,
+Rose, Willy, and Margaret; and after establishing Willy on his sofa,
+Rose's next care was to visit me. 'O Willy! O Margaret!' she exclaimed,
+and burst into tears.
+
+'What is the matter, my darling?' asked Margaret.
+
+Rose could not answer; but Sarah was there to tell the story, and do
+ample justice to my wrongs. Yet I could not help observing, in the midst
+of all her indignation, the difference of her manner towards her
+present hearers and towards Geoffrey. She never seemed on familiar terms
+with Willy, much less with Margaret or Rose. She neither cut jokes nor
+used rough language to them, but treated them with the respect due to
+her master's children; though, as I well knew, she was extremely fond of
+them, and disliked Geoffrey, in spite of her familiarity with him.
+
+I saw Geoffrey no more that day. Rose's young friends soon arrived, and
+consoled both her and me by their kind sympathy and attentions. One made
+an elegant cap to supply the loss of my wig; another strung a blue
+necklace to hide the black mark round my throat; Rose herself put me to
+bed, and placed a table by my bedside covered with teacups, each, she
+told me, containing a different medicine; and the young lady who had
+once brought Miss Edgeworth to dine with me, charged me to lie still and
+read 'Rosamond' till I was quite recovered.
+
+Next morning, as I lay contentedly performing my new part of an invalid,
+I heard a confidential conversation between Margaret and Geoffrey, in
+which I was interested.
+
+They were alone together, and she was taking the opportunity to
+remonstrate with him on his unkind treatment of me.
+
+'What was the harm?' said Geoffrey. 'A doll is nothing but wood or bran,
+or some stupid stuff; it can't feel.'
+
+'Of course,' answered Margaret, 'we all know _that_. It is wasteful and
+mischievous to spoil a pretty toy; but I am not speaking now so much for
+the sake of the doll as of Rose. Rose is not made of any stupid stuff;
+_she_ can feel. And what is more, she can feel for other people as well
+as herself. She would never play you such an ill-natured trick.'
+
+'I should not mind it if she did,' argued Geoffrey; 'I am not such a
+baby.'
+
+'You would not mind that particular thing,' answered Margaret, 'because
+you do not care about dolls; but you would mind her interfering with
+_your_ pleasures, or injuring your property. You would think it very
+ill-natured, for instance, if she threw away that heap of nuts which
+you have hoarded like a squirrel on your shelf of the closet.'
+
+'Nuts are not nonsense like dolls,' said he. 'Besides, she may have as
+many of mine as she likes. I tried to make her eat some yesterday.'
+
+'Yes, and half choked her by poking them into her mouth, when she told
+you she did not want them. She cares no more for nuts than you for
+dolls. You would think it no kindness if she teazed you to nurse her
+doll.'
+
+'I should think not, indeed,' answered Geoffrey, indignant at the very
+idea.
+
+'Of course not. Kindness is not shown by forcing our own pleasures down
+other people's throats, but by trying to promote theirs. That is really
+doing as we would be done by.'
+
+'But doing as we would be done by is one's _duty_,' said Geoffrey.
+
+'I fear it is a duty of which you seldom think,' replied his cousin.
+
+'Why, one can't be thinking of _duty_ in those kind of things,' answered
+he.
+
+'Why not?' asked Margaret.
+
+'Because they are such trifles; duties are great things.'
+
+'What sort of things do you consider to be duties?' Margaret inquired.
+
+'Oh, such things as letting oneself be tortured, like Regulus; or
+forgiving an enemy who has shot poisoned arrows at one, like Coeur de
+Lion.'
+
+'Well,' said Margaret smiling, 'such heroic duties as those do not seem
+likely to fall in your way just now, perhaps they never may. Our
+fellow-creatures are so kind to us, that we are seldom called upon to
+fulfil any but small duties towards them, or what you would consider
+such; for I cannot allow any duty to be small, especially that of doing
+as we would be done by. If we do not fulfil that in trifles, we shall
+probably never fulfil it at all. This is a serious thought, Geoffrey.'
+
+Geoffrey looked up; and as he seemed inclined to listen, Margaret
+continued talking to him kindly but gravely, bringing many things before
+his mind as duties which he had hitherto considered to be matters of
+indifference. But Margaret would not allow any thing to be a trifle in
+which one person could give pain or pleasure, trouble or relief,
+annoyance or comfort to another, or by which any one's own mind or
+habits could be either injured or improved. She maintained that there
+was a right and a wrong to every thing, and that right and wrong could
+never be trifles, whether in great things or small. By degrees the
+conversation turned upon matters far too solemn to be repeated by a mere
+plaything like myself; but I thought, as I heard her, that it might be
+better to be a poor wooden figure which could do neither right nor
+wrong, than a human being who neglected his appointed duties.
+
+Geoffrey said little, but he shook hands with Margaret when she had
+finished speaking, and I noticed from that day forward a gradual
+improvement in his conduct. Bad habits are not cured in a minute, and he
+did not become all at once as gentle and considerate as Willy, nor as
+kind and helpful as Edward; but he put himself in the right road, and
+seemed in a fair way of overtaking them in due time. He at once left off
+_active_ mischief; and if he could not avoid being occasionally
+troublesome, he at any rate cured himself of teazing people on purpose.
+And it was remarkable how many employments he found as soon as his mind
+was disengaged from mischief. Instead of his dawdling about all the
+morning calling things stupid, and saying he had nothing to do, all
+manner of pleasant occupations seemed to start up in his path, as if
+made to order for him, now that he had time to attend to them. When he
+relinquished the pleasure of spoiling things, he acquired the far
+greater pleasure of learning to make them. When Edward was no longer
+afraid of trusting him with his tools, it was wonderful what a carpenter
+he turned out. When Margaret could venture to leave drawing materials
+within his reach, he began to draw capitally. Good-natured Margaret gave
+him lessons, and said she would never wish for a better scholar. He
+found it was twice the pleasure to walk or play with Edward when he was
+thought an acquisition instead of a burden; and far more agreeable to
+have Rose and Willy anxious for his company than wishing to get rid of
+him. But the advantages were not confined to himself; the whole house
+shared in them; for his perpetual small annoyances had made every body
+uncomfortable, whereas now, by attention to what he used to look upon as
+trifles, he found he had the power of contributing his part towards the
+happiness of his fellow-creatures, which is no trifle.
+
+On the last day of the holidays, the young people were all assembled in
+the schoolroom till it was time for Edward and Geoffrey to start. While
+Edward was arranging various matters with Willy, I heard Geoffrey
+whisper to Margaret that he hoped she had forgiven him for spoiling that
+drawing of hers. She seemed at first really not to know what he meant;
+but when she recollected it, she answered with a smile, 'Oh, my dear
+Geoffrey, I had forgiven and forgotten it long ago. Pray never think of
+it again yourself.' Geoffrey next went up to Rose and put a little
+parcel into her hands. On opening it, she found a box of very pretty
+bonbons in the shape of various vegetables. When she admired them, he
+seemed much pleased, and said that he had saved up his money to buy
+them, in hopes she might like them for her dolls' feasts. Rose kissed
+and thanked him, and said she only wished he could stay and help her and
+her dolls to eat them. Every body took an affectionate leave of
+Geoffrey, and Willy said he was very sorry to lose him, and should miss
+him sadly.
+
+Edward and Geoffrey returned to school, and I never saw Geoffrey again;
+but a constant correspondence was kept up between him and his cousins,
+and I often heard pleasant mention of his progress and improvement.
+
+Time passed on; what length of time I cannot say, all seasons and their
+change being alike to me; but school-days and holidays succeeded one
+another, and our family grew older in appearance and habits. Rose
+gradually spent less time with me, and more with her books and music,
+till at last, though she still kept my house in order, she never
+actually played with me, unless younger children came to visit her, and
+_then_, indeed, I was as popular as ever. But on a little friend's one
+day remarking that I had worn the same gown for a month, Rose answered
+that she herself had the charge of her own clothes now, and that what
+with keeping them in order, and doing fancy-work as presents for her
+friends, she found no time to work for dolls.
+
+By and by, her time for needlework was fully engaged in Geoffrey's
+behalf. He was going to sea; and Rose was making purses, slippers,
+portfolios, and every thing she could think of as likely to please him.
+Perhaps _her_ most useful keepsake was a sailor's housewife; but many
+nice things were sent him from every one of the family. I saw a trunk
+full of presents packed and sent off. And when I recollected my first
+acquaintance with him, I could not but marvel over the change that had
+taken place, before books, drawing materials, and mathematical
+instruments could have been chosen as the gifts best suited to his
+taste.
+
+Edward used to come home from school as merry and good-humored as ever,
+and growing taller and stronger every holiday. Rose and Margaret were as
+flourishing as he; but poor Willy grew weaker, and thinner, and paler.
+Fresh springs and summers brought him no revival, but as they faded, he
+seemed to fade with them. He read more than ever; and his sisters were
+frequently occupied in reading and writing under his direction, for they
+were anxious to help him in his pursuits. His Papa and Mama sometimes
+said he studied too hard; and they used to sit with him, and try to
+amuse him by conversation, when they wished to draw him from his books.
+Doctors visited him, and prescribed many remedies; and his Mama gave him
+all the medicines herself, and took care that every order was implicitly
+obeyed. His father carried him up and down stairs, and waited upon him
+as tenderly as even Margaret; but he grew no better with all their
+care. He was always gentle and patient, but he appeared in less good
+spirits than formerly. He seemed to enjoy going out in his wheel-chair
+more than any thing; but one day he observed that the summer was fast
+coming to an end, and that then he must shut himself up in his room, for
+that he minded the cold more than he used.
+
+'I wish we lived in a warmer country,' said Rose; 'perhaps then you
+might get better.'
+
+'I do not know about _living_,' replied Willy. 'England is the best
+country to _live_ in; but I certainly should like to be out of the way
+of the cold for this next winter.'
+
+'Why do not you tell Papa so?' asked Rose.
+
+'Because I know very well he would take me a journey directly, however
+inconvenient it might be to him.'
+
+Rose said nothing more just then, but she took the first opportunity of
+telling her father what had passed; and he said he was very glad indeed
+that she had let him know.
+
+From that day forward something more than usual seemed in contemplation.
+Papa, Mama, and Margaret were constantly consulting together, and
+Edward, Rose, and Willy followed their example. As for me, nobody had
+time to bestow a look or a thought upon me; but I made myself happy by
+looking at and thinking of _them_.
+
+One morning two doctors together paid Willy a long visit. After they
+were gone, his Papa and Mama came into his room.
+
+'Well, my boy,' his father exclaimed in an unusually cheerful tone, 'it
+is quite settled now; Madeira is the place, and I hope you like the
+plan.'
+
+'Oh, Papa,' said Willy, 'is it really worth while?'
+
+'Of course it is worth while, a hundred times over,' replied his father;
+'and we will be off in the first ship.'
+
+'The doctors strongly advise it, and we have all great hopes from it, my
+dear Willy,' said his mother.
+
+'Then so have I,' said Willy; 'and, indeed, I like it extremely, and I
+am very grateful to you. The only thing I mind is, that you and my
+father should have to leave home and make a long sea voyage, when you
+do not like travelling, and Papa has so much to keep him in England.'
+
+'Oh, never mind me,' said his mother; 'I shall like nothing so well as
+travelling, if it does you good.'
+
+'And never mind me,' said his father; 'there is nothing of so much
+consequence to keep me in England, as your health to take me out of it.'
+
+'Besides, my dear child,' said his mother, 'as the change of climate is
+so strongly recommended for you, it becomes a duty as well as a pleasure
+to try it.'
+
+'So make your mind easy, my boy,' added his father; 'and I will go and
+take our passage for Madeira.'
+
+The father left the room, and the mother remained conversing with her
+sick child, whose spirits were unusually excited. I scarcely knew him
+again. He was generally slow and quiet, and rather desponding about
+himself; but he now thought he should certainly get well, and was so
+eager and anxious to start without delay, that his mother had some
+difficulty in reconciling him to the idea that no ship would sail till
+next month. She also took great pains to impress upon him the duty of
+resignation, in case the attempt should fail, after all, in restoring
+his health; and she finally left him, not less hopeful, but more calm
+and contented with whatever might befall him.
+
+And now began the preparations for the voyage. There was no time to
+spare, considering all that had to be done. Every body was at work; and
+though poor Willy himself could not do much to help, he thought of
+nothing else. His common books and drawings were changed for maps and
+voyages; the track to Madeira was looked up by him and Rose every day,
+and sometimes two or three times in the day, and every book consulted
+that contained the least reference to the Madeira Isles.
+
+Edward was an indefatigable packer. He was not to be one of the
+travellers, as his father did not choose to interrupt his
+school-education; but no one was more active than he in forwarding the
+preparations for the voyage, and no one more sanguine about its
+results.
+
+'We shall have Willy back,' he would say, 'turned into a fine strong
+fellow, as good a cricketer as Geoffrey or I, and a better scholar than
+either of us.'
+
+Margaret and Rose were to go; and Rose's young friends all came to take
+leave of her, and talk over the plan, and find Madeira in the map, and
+look at views of the island, which had been given to Willy. And a
+sailor-friend, who had been all over the world, used to come and
+describe Madeira as one of the most beautiful of all the beautiful
+places he had visited, and tell of its blue sea, fresh and bright,
+without storms; its high mountains, neither barren nor bleak; and its
+climate, so warm and soft, that Willy might sit out all day in the
+beautiful gardens under hedges of fragrant geraniums. And when Willy
+talked of enjoying the gardens while his stronger sisters were climbing
+the hills, there was more to be told of cradles borne upon men's
+shoulders, in which Willy could be carried to the top of the highest
+hills as easily as his sisters on their mountain ponies. And now the
+packing was all finished, and the luggage sent on board, and every body
+was anxious to follow it; for the ship was reported as quite
+comfortable, and the house was decidedly the reverse. Margaret and her
+father had been on board to arrange the cabins, accompanied by their
+sailor-friend, who professed to know how to fit up a berth better than
+any body. He had caused all the furniture to be fastened, or, as he
+called it, _cleated_ to the floor, that it might not roll about in rough
+weather. The books were secured in the shelves by bars, and swinging
+tables hung from the ceilings. Willy's couch was in the most airy and
+convenient place at the stern cabin window, and there was an easy chair
+for him when he should be able to come out on deck. The ship was said to
+be in perfect order, whereas the house was in the utmost confusion and
+desolation: the carpets rolled up, the pictures taken down, the mirrors
+covered with muslin, the furniture and bookcases with canvass; not a
+vestige left of former habits and occupations, except me and my little
+mansion. But in the midst of all the bustle, I was as calm and collected
+as if nothing had happened. I sat quietly in my arm-chair, staring
+composedly at all that went on, contented and happy, though apparently
+forgotten by every body. Indeed, such was my placid, patient
+disposition, that I do not believe I should have uttered a sound or
+moved a muscle if the whole of London had fallen about my little ears.
+
+I did certainly sometimes wish to know what was to become of me, and at
+last that information was given me.
+
+The night before they sailed, Rose busied herself with Sarah in packing
+up my house and furniture, which were to be sent to a little girl who
+had long considered it her greatest treat to play with them. But Rose
+did not pack me up with my goods and chattels.
+
+'My poor old Seraphina,' said she, as she removed me from my arm-chair,
+'you and I have passed many a happy day together, and I do not like to
+throw you away as mere rubbish; but the new mistress of your house has
+already more dolls than she knows what to do with. You are no great
+beauty now, but I wish I knew any child who would care for you.'
+
+'If you please to give her to me, Miss Rose,' said Sarah, 'my little
+niece, that your Mama is so kind as to put to school, would thank you
+kindly, and think her the greatest of beauties.'
+
+'Oh, then, take her by all means, Sarah,' replied Rose; 'and here is a
+little trunk to keep her clothes in. I remember I used to be very fond
+of that trunk; so I dare say your little Susan will like it, though it
+is not quite new.'
+
+'That she will, and many thanks to you, Miss. Susan will be as delighted
+with it now, as you were a year or two ago.'
+
+So they wrapped me up in paper, and Rose having given me a farewell
+kiss, which I would have returned if I could, Sarah put me and my trunk
+both into her great pocket; and on the same day that my old friends
+embarked for their distant voyage, I was carried to my new home.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+And now began a third stage of my existence, and a fresh variety of
+life.
+
+I at first feared that I should have great difficulty in reconciling
+myself to the change; and my reflections in Sarah's dark pocket were of
+the most gloomy cast. I dreaded poverty and neglect. How should I,
+accustomed to the refinements of polished life and the pleasures of
+cultivated society, endure to be tossed about with no home of my own,
+and perhaps no one who really cared for me? I knew that I was not in my
+first bloom, and it seemed unlikely that a new acquaintance should feel
+towards me like my old friend Rose, who had so long known my value.
+Perhaps I might be despised; perhaps allowed to go ragged, perhaps even
+dirty! My spirits sunk, and had I been human, I should have wept.
+
+But cheerful voices aroused me from this melancholy reverie, and I found
+myself restored to the pleasant light in the hands of a
+goodhumored-looking little girl, whose reception of me soon banished my
+fears. For, although altered since the days of my introduction to the
+world in the bazaar, so that my beauty was not quite what it had been, I
+still retained charms enough to make me a valuable acquisition to a
+child who had not much choice of toys; and my disposition and manners
+were as amiable and pleasing as ever. My new mistress and I soon loved
+each other dearly; and in her family I learned that people might be
+equally happy and contented under very different outward circumstances.
+
+Nothing could well be more unlike my former home than that to which I
+was now introduced. Susan, my little mistress, was a child of about the
+same age as Rose when she first bought me; but Susan had no money to
+spend in toys, and very little time to play with them, though she
+enjoyed them as much as Rose herself. She gave me a hearty welcome; and
+though she could offer me no furnished house, with its elegancies and
+comforts, she assigned me the best place in her power--the corner of a
+shelf on which she kept her books, slate, needlework, and inkstand. And
+there I lived, sitting on my trunk, and observing human life from a new
+point of view. And though my dignity might appear lowered in the eyes of
+the unthinking, I felt that the respectability of my character was
+really in no way diminished; for I was able to fulfil the great object
+of my existence as well as ever, by giving innocent pleasure, and being
+useful in my humble way.
+
+No other dolls now visited me; but I was not deprived of the enjoyments
+of inanimate society, for I soon struck up an intimate acquaintance with
+an excellent Pen in the inkstand by my side, and we passed our leisure
+hours very pleasantly in communicating to each other our past
+adventures. His knowledge of life was limited, having resided in that
+inkstand, and performed all the writing of the family, ever since he
+was a quill. But his experience was wise and virtuous; and he could bear
+witness to many an industrious effort at improvement, in which he had
+been the willing instrument; and to many a hard struggle for honesty and
+independence, which figures of his writing had recorded. I liked to
+watch the good Pen at his work when the father of the family spent an
+hour in the evening in teaching Susan and her brothers to write; or when
+the careful mother took him in hand to help her in balancing her
+accounts, and ascertaining that she owed no one a penny, before she
+ventured upon any new purchase. Then my worthy friend was in his glory;
+and it was delightful to see how he enjoyed his work. He had but one
+fault, which was a slight tendency to splutter; and as he was obliged to
+keep that under restraint while engaged in writing, he made himself
+amends by a little praise of himself, when relating his exploits to a
+sympathising friend like myself. On his return with the inkstand to the
+corner of my shelf, he could not resist sometimes boasting when he had
+not made a single blot; or confessing to me, in perfect confidence, how
+much the thinness of Susan's upstrokes, or the thickness of her
+downstrokes, was owing to the clearness of his slit or the fineness of
+his nib.
+
+The family of which we made part lived frugally and worked hard: but
+they were healthy and happy. The father with his boys went out early in
+the morning to the daily labor by which they maintained the family. The
+mother remained at home, to take care of the baby and do the work of the
+house. She was the neatest and most careful person I ever saw, and she
+brought up her daughter Susan to be as notable as herself.
+
+Susan was an industrious little girl, and in her childish way worked
+almost as hard as her mother. She helped to sweep the house, and nurse
+the baby, and mend the clothes, and was as busy as a bee. But she was
+always tidy; and though her clothes were often old and shabby, I never
+saw them dirty or ragged. Indeed, I must own that, in point of
+_neatness_, Susan was even superior to my old friend Rose. Rose would
+break her strings, or lose her buttons, or leave holes in her gloves,
+till reproved by her Mama for untidiness: but Susan never forgot that 'a
+stitch in time saves nine,' and the stitch was never wanting.
+
+She used to go to school for some hours every day: and I should have
+liked to go with her, and help her in her studies, especially when I
+found that she was learning the multiplication-table, and I remembered
+how useful I had been to Rose in that very lesson; but dolls were not
+allowed at school, and I was obliged to wait patiently for Susan's
+company till she had finished all her business, both at school and at
+home.
+
+She had so little time to bestow upon me, that at first I began to fear
+that I should be of no use to her. The suspicion was terrible; for the
+wish to be useful has been the great idea of my life. It was my earliest
+hope, and it will be my latest pleasure. I could be happy under almost
+any change of circumstances; but as long as a splinter of me remains, I
+should never be able to reconcile myself to the degradation of thinking
+that I had been _of no use_.
+
+But I soon found I was in no danger of what I so much dreaded. In fact,
+I seemed likely to be even more useful to Susan than to Rose. Before I
+had been long in the house, she said one evening that she had an hour to
+spare, and that she would make me some clothes.
+
+'Well and good,' answered her mother; 'only be sure to put your best
+work in them. If you mind your work, the doll will be of great use to
+you, and you can play without wasting your time.'
+
+This was good hearing for Susan and me, and she spent most of her
+leisure in working for me. While she was thus employed, I came down from
+my shelf, and was treated with as much consideration as when Rose and
+her companions waited at my table.
+
+A great change took place in my wardrobe. Rose had always dressed me in
+gay silks and satins, without much regard to under clothing; for, she
+said, as my gowns must be sewn on, what did any petticoats signify? So
+she sewed me up, and I looked very smart; and if there happened to be
+any unseemly cobbling, she hid it with beads or spangles. Once I
+remember a very long stitch baffled all her contrivances, and she said I
+must pretend it was a new-fashioned sort of embroidery.
+
+But Susan scorned all _make-shifts_. Nothing could have been more
+unfounded than my fears of becoming ragged or dirty. My attire was plain
+and suited to my station, but most scrupulously finished. She saw no
+reason why my clothes should not be made to take off and on, as well as
+if I had been a doll three feet high. So I had my plain gingham gowns
+with strings and buttons; and my shifts and petticoats run and felled,
+gathered and whipped, hemmed and stitched, like any lady's; and every
+thing was neatly marked with my initial S. But what Susan and I were
+most particularly proud of, was a pair of stays. They were a long time
+in hand, for the fitting them was a most difficult job; but when
+finished, they were such curiosities of needlework, that Susan's neat
+mother herself used to show off the stitching and the eyelet-holes to
+every friend that came to see her.
+
+Among them, Sarah the housemaid, who was sister to Susan's father, often
+called in to ask after us all. She was left in charge of the house where
+my former friends had lived, and they sometimes sent her commissions to
+execute for them. Then she was sure to come and bring us news of _the
+family_, as she always called Rose and her relations. Sometimes she told
+us that Master William was a little better; sometimes that she heard
+Miss Rose was very much grown; she had generally something to tell that
+we were all glad to hear. One evening, soon after my apparel was quite
+completed, I was sitting on my trunk, as pleased with myself as Susan
+was with me, when Sarah's head peeped in at the door.
+
+'Good evening to you all,' said she; 'I thought as I went by you would
+like to hear that I have a letter from the family, and all's well. I
+have got a pretty little job to do for Master Willy. He is to have a
+set of new shirts sent out directly, made of very fine thin calico,
+because his own are too thick. See, here is the stuff I have been buying
+for them.'
+
+'It is beautiful calico, to be sure,' said Susan's mother; 'but such
+fine stuff as that will want very neat work. I am afraid you will hardly
+be able to make them yourself.'
+
+'Why, no,' answered Sarah, smiling and shaking her head. 'I am sorry to
+say, _there_ comes in my old trouble, not having learned to work neatly
+when I was young. Take warning by me, Susan, and mind your needlework
+now-a-days. If I could work as neatly as your mother, my mistress would
+have made me lady's maid and housekeeper by this time. But I could not
+learn any but rough work, more's the pity: so I say again, take warning
+by _me_, little niece; take pattern by your mother.'
+
+Susan looked at me and smiled, as much as to say, 'I have taken pattern
+by her;' but she had not time to answer, for Sarah continued, addressing
+the mother:
+
+[Illustration: Page 106]
+
+'How I wish you could have time to do this job! for it would bring you
+in a pretty penny, and I know my mistress would be pleased with your
+work; but they are to be done very quickly, in time for the next ship,
+and I do not see that you _could_ get through them with only one pair of
+hands.'
+
+'We have two pair of hands,' cried Susan; 'here are mine.'
+
+'Ah, but what can they do?' asked Sarah, 'and how can they do it? It is
+not enough to have four fingers and a thumb. Hands must be handy.'
+
+'And so they are,' answered Susan's mother. 'See whether any hands could
+do neater work than that.' And she pointed me out to Sarah.
+
+Sarah took me up, and turned me from side to side. Then she looked at my
+hems, then at my seams, then at my gathers, while I felt truly proud and
+happy, conscious that not a long stitch could be found in either.
+
+'Well to be sure!' exclaimed she, after examining me all over; 'do you
+mean that all that is really Susan's own work?'
+
+'Every stitch of it,' replied the mother; 'and I think better need not
+be put into any shirt, though Master William does deserve the best of
+every thing.'
+
+'You never said a truer word, neither for Master William nor for little
+Susan,' replied Sarah; 'and I wish you joy, Susan, of being able to help
+your mother so nicely, for now I can leave you the job to do between
+you.'
+
+She then told them what was to be the payment for the work, which was a
+matter I did not myself understand, though I could see that it gave them
+great satisfaction.
+
+The money came at a most convenient time, to help in fitting out Susan's
+brother Robert for a place which had been offered to him in the country.
+It was an excellent place; but there were several things, as his mother
+well knew, that poor Robert wanted at starting, but would not mention
+for fear his parents should distress themselves to obtain them for him.
+Both father and mother had been saving for the purpose, without saying
+any thing about it to Robert; but they almost despaired of obtaining
+more than half the things they wanted, till this little sum of money
+came into their hands so opportunely.
+
+The father was in the secret, but Robert could scarcely believe his
+eyes, when one evening his mother and Susan laid on the table before
+him, one by one, all the useful articles he wished to possess. At first
+he seemed almost more vexed than pleased, for he thought of the saving
+and the slaving that his mother must have gone through to gain them; but
+when she told him how much of them was due to his little sister's
+neatness and industry, and how easy the work had been when shared
+between them, he was as much pleased as Susan herself.
+
+We were all very happy that evening, including even the humble friends
+on the shelf; for I sat on my trunk, and related to the Pen how useful I
+had been in teaching Susan to work; and the worthy Pen stood bolt
+upright in his inkstand, and confided to me with honest pride, that
+Robert had been chosen to his situation on account of his excellent
+writing.
+
+Time passed on, and I suppose we all grew older, as I noticed from time
+to time various changes that seemed to proceed from that cause. The
+baby, for instance, though still going by the name of 'Baby,' had become
+a strong able-bodied child, running alone, and very difficult to keep
+out of mischief. The most effectual way of keeping her quiet was to
+place me in her hands, when she would sit on the floor nursing me by the
+hour together, while her mother and sister were at work.
+
+Susan was become a tall strong girl, more notable than ever, and, like
+Rose before her, she gradually bestowed less attention on me; so that I
+was beginning to feel myself neglected, till on a certain birthday of
+her little sister's, she declared her intention of making me over
+altogether to the baby-sister for a birthday present. Then I once more
+rose into importance, and found powers which I thought declining, still
+undiminished. The baby gave a scream of delight when I was placed in her
+hand as her own. Till then she had only possessed one toy in the world,
+an old wooden horse, in comparison with which I seemed in the full bloom
+of youth and beauty. This horse, which she called JACK, had lost not
+merely the ornaments of mane and tail, but his head, one fore and one
+hind leg; so that nothing remained of the once noble quadruped but a
+barrel with the paint scratched off, rather insecurely perched upon a
+stand with wheels. But he was a faithful animal, and did his work to the
+last. The baby used to tie me on to his barrel, and Jack and I were
+drawn round and round the kitchen with as much satisfaction to our
+mistress, as in the days when I shone forth, in my gilt coach with its
+four prancing piebalds.
+
+But the baby's treatment of me, though gratifying from its cordiality,
+had a roughness and want of ceremony that affected my enfeebled frame. I
+could not conceal from myself that the infirmities I had observed in
+other dolls were gradually gaining ground upon me. Nobody ever said a
+harsh word to me, or dropped a hint of my being less pretty than ever,
+and the baby called me 'Beauty, beauty,' twenty times a day; but still
+I knew very well that not only had my rosy color and fine hair
+disappeared, but I had lost the whole of one leg and half of the other,
+and the lower joints of both my arms. In fact, as my worthy friend the
+Pen observed, both he and I were reduced to stumps.
+
+The progress of decay caused me no regret, for I felt that I had done my
+work, and might now gracefully retire from public life, and resign my
+place to newer dolls. But though contented with my lot, I had still one
+anxious wish ungratified. The thought occupied my mind incessantly; and
+the more I dwelt upon it, the stronger grew the hope that I might have a
+chance of seeing my old first friends once more. This was now my only
+remaining care.
+
+News came from them from time to time. Sarah brought word that Master
+William was better; that they had left Madeira, and gone travelling
+about elsewhere. Then that the father had been in England upon business,
+and gone back again; that Mr. Edward had been over to foreign parts one
+summer holidays to see his family, and on his return had come to give
+her an account of them.
+
+Sarah was always very bustling when she had any news to bring of the
+family, but one day she called on us in even more flurry than usual. She
+was quite out of breath with eagerness.
+
+'Sit down and rest a minute before you begin to speak,' said her quiet
+sister-in-law. 'There must be some great news abroad. It seems almost
+too much for you.'
+
+Susan nodded, and began to unpack a great parcel she had brought with
+her.
+
+'It don't seem bad news, to judge by your face,' said the other; for now
+that Sarah had recovered breath, her smiles succeeded one another so
+fast, that she seemed to think words superfluous.
+
+'I guess, I guess,' cried Susan. 'They are coming home.'
+
+'They are, indeed,' answered Sarah at last; 'they are coming home as
+fast as steam-engines can bring them: and here is work more than enough
+for you and mother till they come. Miss Margaret is going to be
+married, and you are to make the wedding-clothes.'
+
+So saying, she finished unpacking her parcel, and produced various fine
+materials which required Susan's neatest work.
+
+'These are for you to begin with,' said she, 'but there is more coming.'
+She then read a letter from the ladies with directions about the
+needlework, to which Susan and her mother listened with great attention.
+Then Sarah jumped up, saying she must not let the grass grow under her
+feet, for she had plenty to do. The whole house was to be got ready; and
+she would not have a thing out of its place, nor a speck of dust to be
+found, for any money.
+
+Susan and her mother lost no time either; their needles never seemed to
+stop: and I sat on the baby's lap watching them, and enjoying the happy
+anticipation that my last wish would soon be accomplished.
+
+But though Susan was as industrious as a girl could be, and just now
+wished to work harder than ever, she was not doomed to 'all work and no
+play;' for her father took care that his children should enjoy
+themselves at proper times. In summer evenings, after he came home from
+his work, they used often to go out all together for a walk in the
+nearest park, when he and his wife would rest under the trees, and read
+over Robert's last letter, while the children amused themselves. Very
+much we all enjoyed it, for even I was seldom left behind. Susan would
+please the baby by dressing me in my best clothes for the walk; and the
+good-natured father would laugh merrily at us, and remark how much good
+the fresh air did me. We were all very happy; and when my thoughts
+travelled to other scenes and times, I sometimes wondered whether my
+former friends enjoyed themselves as much in their southern gardens, as
+this honest family in their English fields.
+
+Our needlework was finished and sent to Sarah's care to await Margaret's
+arrival, for which we were very anxious.
+
+On returning home one evening after our walk, we passed, as we often
+did, through the street in which I had formerly lived. Susan was leading
+her little sister, who, on her part, clutched me in a way very unlike
+the gentleness which Susan bestowed upon her. On arriving at the
+well-known house, we saw Sarah standing at the area-gate. We stopped to
+speak to her.
+
+'When are they expected?' asked Susan's mother.
+
+'They may be here any minute,' answered Sarah; 'Mr. Edward has just
+brought the news.'
+
+The street-door now opened, and two gentlemen came out and stood on the
+steps. One was a tall fine-looking boy, grown almost into a young man;
+but I could not mistake the open good-humored countenance of my old
+friend Edward. The other was older, and I recognised him as the
+traveller who used to describe Madeira to Willy.
+
+They did not notice us, for we stood back so as not to intrude, and
+their minds were evidently fully occupied with the expected meeting.
+
+We all gazed intently down the street, every voice hushed in eager
+interest. Even my own little mistress, usually the noisiest of her
+tribe, was silent as myself. It was a quiet street and a quiet time, and
+the roll of the distant carriages would scarcely have seemed to break
+the silence, had it not been for our intense watching, and hoping that
+the sound of every wheel would draw nearer. We waited long, and were
+more than once disappointed by carriages passing us and disappearing at
+the end of the street. Edward and his friend walked up and down, east
+and west, north and south, in hopes of descrying the travellers in the
+remotest distance. But after each unavailing walk, they took up their
+post again on the steps.
+
+At last a travelling carriage laden with luggage turned the nearest
+corner, rolled towards us, and stopped at the house. The two gentlemen
+rushed down the steps, flung open the carriage-door, and for some
+moments all was hurry and agitation, and I could distinguish nothing.
+
+I much feared that I should now be obliged to go home without actually
+seeing my friends, for they had passed so quickly from the carriage to
+the house, and there had been so much confusion and excitement during
+those few seconds, that my transient glance scarcely allowed me to know
+one from another; but in course of time Sarah came out again, and asked
+Susan's father to help in unloading the carriage, desiring us to sit
+meanwhile in the housekeeper's room. So we waited till the business was
+finished, when, to my great joy, we were summoned to the sitting-room,
+and I had the happiness of seeing all the family once more assembled.
+
+I was delighted to find how much less they were altered than I. I had
+been half afraid that I might see one without a leg, another without an
+arm, according to the dilapidations which had taken place in my own
+frame; but strange to say, their sensitive bodies, which felt every
+change of weather, shrunk from a rough touch, and bled at the scratch
+of a pin, had outlasted mine, though insensible to pain or sickness.
+There stood the father, scarcely altered; his hair perhaps a little more
+gray, but his eyes as quick and bright as ever. And there was the
+mother, still grave and gentle, but looking less sad and careworn than
+in the days of Willy's constant illness. And there was, first in
+interest to me, my dear mistress, Rose, as tall as Margaret, and as
+handsome as Edward. I could not imagine her condescending to play with
+me now. Margaret looked just as in former times, good and graceful; but
+she stood a little apart with the traveller friend by her side, and I
+heard Rose whisper to Susan that the wedding was to take place in a
+fortnight. They were only waiting for Geoffrey to arrive. His ship was
+daily expected, and they all wished him to be present.
+
+And Willy, for whose sake the long journey had been made, how was he?
+Were all their hopes realized? Edward shook his head when Susan's mother
+asked that question; but Willy was there to answer it himself. He was
+standing by the window, leaning on a stick, it is true, but yet able to
+stand. As he walked across the room, I saw that he limped slightly, but
+could move about where he pleased. He still looked thin and pale, but
+the former expression of suffering and distress had disappeared, and his
+countenance was as cheerful as his manner. I could see that he was very
+much better, though not in robust health like Edward's. He thanked
+Susan's mother for her kind inquiries, and said that, though he had not
+become all that his sanguine brother hoped, he had gained health more
+than enough to satisfy himself; that he was most thankful for his
+present comfort and independence; and that if he was not quite so strong
+as other people, he hoped he should at any rate make a good use of the
+strength that was allowed him. Turning to Edward, who still looked
+disappointed, he continued: 'Who could have ventured to hope, Edward,
+three years ago, that you and I should now be going to college
+together?' And then even Edward smiled and seemed content.
+
+As we turned to leave the room, Susan and her little sister lingered for
+a moment behind the others, and the child held me up towards Rose. Rose
+started, and exclaimed, 'Is it possible? It really _is_ my poor old
+Seraphina. Who would have thought of her being still in existence? What
+a good, useful doll she has been! I really must give her a kiss once
+more for old friendship's sake.'
+
+So saying, she kissed both me and the baby, and we left the house.
+
+And now there remains but little more for me to relate. My history and
+my existence are fast drawing to an end; my last wish has been gratified
+by my meeting with Rose, and my first hope realized by her praise of my
+usefulness. She has since given the baby a new doll, and I am finally
+laid on the shelf, to enjoy, in company with my respected friend the
+Pen, a tranquil old age. When he, like myself, was released from active
+work, and replaced by one of Mordan's patent steel, he kindly offered to
+employ his remaining leisure in writing from my dictation, and it is in
+compliance with his advice that I have thus ventured to record my
+experience.
+
+That experience has served to teach me that, as all inanimate things
+have some destined use, so all rational creatures have some appointed
+duties, and are happy and well employed while fulfilling them.
+
+With this reflection, I bid a grateful farewell to those young patrons
+of my race who have kindly taken an interest in my memoirs, contentedly
+awaiting the time when the small remnant of my frame shall be reduced to
+dust, and my quiet existence sink into a still more profound repose.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Doll and Her Friends, by Unknown
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