THE DOLL AND HER FRIENDS. 25

tools. Geoffrey, the lover of tarts, was a cousin on
_ avisit 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 with-
out help, and was obliged to endure many priva-
tions. 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 friénds
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 upstairs with
me to Willy, whom I then saw for the first time,