8 THE DOLL AND HER FRIENDS.

“Perhaps I have money enough for both,” an-
swered 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. |

“T 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 shop-
keeper ; “ 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
colours. 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.”

“* W ould 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-