THE DOLL AND HER FRIENDS. 51

“What stupid books! I wonder any body can write
them. I wish Edward had left his tools out; I
should like to plane the top of the shelf. How
stupid it is having nothing to do!”

As he spoke, I shuddered to see him approach-
ing my end of the room. He came nearer ; he made
a full stop in front of me, and looked me in the
face.

“You stupid, ugly thing,” he exclaimed, “ don’t
stare so. I hate to have a doll’s eyes goggling
at me.”

Gladly would I have withdrawn my eyes, if pos-
sible. But they had been painted wide open, and
what could I do? I never was so ashamed of them
in my life; but I had no control over them, so I
stared on, and he grew more indignant.

“Tf you don’t leave off,” he cried, “I'll poke
out your eyes, as I did those of the ugly picture in
my room. I won't be stared at.”

I longed for the gift of speech to represent to
him, that if he would but leave off looking at me, I
should give him no offence; but alas, I was silent,
and could only stare as hard as ever.

“Oh, you will, will you?” said he; “then I
know what I’ll do: I'll hang you.”

In vain I hoped for the return of the rest of the
party. I listened anxiously for every sound, hut