THE DOLL AND HER FRIENDS. 23

“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 darlmg 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 ful-
filled, 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 lone 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.