THE DOLL AND HER FRIENDS. 53

hung on the wall directly opposite my own house ;
and from my wretched nail I could distmguish
every room in it. Between my twirls I saw my
pretty drawing-room, with its comfortable arm-
chair now vacant; and my convenient kitchen, with
my respectable cook peacefully basting her per-
petual mutton; I envied even my lame footman
quietly seated in his chimney-corner, and felt that
I had never truly valued the advantages of my
home till now. Would they ever be restored to
me? Should I once again be under the protection
of my kind and gentle mistress, or was I Geoftrey’s
' slave for ever?

These melancholy thoughts were interrupted by
a step on the stairs. “ Hallo!” cried Geoffrey,
“who would have thought of their commg home
just now ?” and he was going to lift me down from
my nail; but when the door opened, the housemaid
came in alone, and he changed his mind.

“ Why, Master Geoffrey,” said she, “ what are
you doing here all alone? Some mischief, I'll be
bound.”

« Bow, wow, wow,” answered he, dancing and
playing all sorts of antics to prevent her seeing”
me.

“ Come,” said she, “those tricks won't go down
with me. ‘The more lively you are, the more I