THE DOLL AND HER FRIENDS. 63

answered that she herself had the charge of her own
clothes now, and that what with keeping them in
order, and doing fancy-work as presents for her
friends, she found no time to work for dolls.

By and by, her time for needlework was fully
engaged in Geoffrey’s behalf. He was going to sea;
and Rose was making purses, slippers, portfolios,
and every thing she could think of as likely to
please him. Perhaps her most useful keepsake was
a sailor’s housewife; but many nice things were sent
him from every one of the family. I saw a trunk
full of presents packed and sent off. And when I
recollected my first acquaintance with him, I could
not but marvel over the chang that had taken place,
before books, drawing materials, and mathematical
instruments could have been chosen as the gifts best
suited to. his taste.

Edward used to come home from school as
merry and goad-humoured as ever, and growing
taller and stronger every holidays. Rose and Mar-
garet were as flourishing as he; but poor Willy
grew weaker, and thinner, and paler. Fresh springs
and summers brought him no revival, but as they
faded, he seemed to fade with them. He read more
than ever; and his sisters were frequently occupied
in reading and writing under his direction, for they
were anxious to help him in his pursuits. His papa