THE DOLL AND HER FRIENDS. 45

her drawing would just have time to dry before ske
returned.

But unfortunately, during her absence, Geoffrey
came home. He had grown tired of the Gardens,
which he had seen very often, and rather hungry,
as he generally was; so after amusing himself by
eating the cakes he had bought for the bear, he had
nothing more to do, and tried to persuade his cousins
to be tired also. But Edward was making himself
agreeable to the monkeys, Rose was cultivating the
friendship of the elephant, and their papa and mama
were waiting to see the hippopotamus bathe; so
that Geoffrey’s proposals of leaving the Gardens
were scouted, and he could only obtain leave from
his uncle to go home by himself.

- He entered the room, as usual, with his mouth
full, having spent his last penny in a piece of cocoa-
nut as he came along the streets. While the cocoa-
nut lasted, he was employed to his satisfaction ; but
when that was finished, he was again at a loss for
something to do. He tried walking round the room
on one leg, working heel and toe, and that suc-
ceeded very well, and did no harm till he unluckily
came to the drawing-table, when he immediately
brought himself to a stand on both feet.

“ Hallo!” cried he, “ here’s a daub! Is this
your splendid performance, Will?” |