68 BERTHA.

The next day Bertha’s grandmamma called her. “ Bertha,”
she said, “I have just received a note from Mrs. Carlisle
asking me to allow you to spend next Friday afternoon and
night with her. She is going to have a little company at her
house. I am not sure that I approve of so much dissipation
for you, but I have a very-high regard for Mrs. Carlisle, and
I think I shall allow you to go.”

Bertha’s eyes sparkled as she threw her arms around her
grandmother’s neck and thanked her. .

So, next Friday, with many injunctions from her grand-
mother, she took her departure, carrying her doll, and went to
Aunt Joanna’s home. This was a little way from the house
where Bertha had attended her first party, which was given by
Aunt Joanna’s little grand-daughter. Bertha was very glad
that Aunt Joanna did not live with her daughter, but had a
home of her own.

The old lady met her with open arms, and took her up
to a dear little room all pink and white. On the bed lay a
charming white dress with dainty ruffles, and by it was a pink
‘sash, with stockings and slippers to match.

Bertha turned her sweet eyes gratefully upon Aunt
Joanna, for this was part of their secret.

After a happy afternoon, which was spent for the most part
in dressing the doll just as Bertha would have her dressed,
they had tea, and the little girl became so merry, and her
eyes were so full of joy, that when she was dressed in her