10 THE DOLL AND HER FRIENDS.

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 shew kindness, and a prefer-
ence 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 un- —
derstand 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 sub-
ject when a boy approached the stall. Boys were
new characters to me, and I was glad of the oppor-
tunity 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.