THE DOLL AND HER FRIENDS. 4}

clared 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.
Hither 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 natu-
ral 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 slenswwe of pas
nising an old friend from the bazaar.