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Little Things Its so wainy, I cant go out, and evewybody is so cwoss they wont play with me, said Maud, when Polly found her fretting on the stairs, and paused to ask the cause of her wails. Ill play with you; only dont scream and wake your mother. What shall we play? I dont know; Im tired of evwything, cause my toys are all bwoken, and my dolls are all sick but Clawa, moaned Maud, giving a jerk to the Paris doll which she held upside down by one leg in the most unmaternal manner. Im going to dress a dolly for my little sister; wouldnt you like to see me do it? asked Polly, persuasively, hoping to beguile the cross child and finish her own work at the same time. No, I shouldnt, cause shell look nicer than my Clawa. Her clothes wont come off; and Tom spoilt em playing ball with her in the yard. Wouldnt you like to rip these clothes off, and have me show you how to make some new ones, so you can dress and undress Clara as much as you like? Yes; I love to cut. And Mauds face brightened; for destructiveness is one of the earliest traits of childhood, and ripping was Mauds delight. Establishing themselves in the deserted dining-room, the children fell to work; and when Fanny discovered them, Maud was laughing with all her heart at poor Clara, who, denuded of her finery, was cutting up all sorts of capers in the hands of her merry little mistress. I should think youd be ashamed to play with dolls, Polly. I havent touched one this ever so long, said Fanny, looking down with a superior air. I am not ashamed, for it keeps Maud happy, and will please my sister Kitty; and I think sewing is better than prinking or reading silly novels, so now. And Polly stitched away with a resolute air, for she and Fanny had had a little tiff, because Polly wouldnt let her friend do up her hair like other folks, and bore her ears. Dont be cross, dear, but come and do something nice, its so dull to-day, said Fanny, anxious to be friends again, for it was doubly dull without Polly. Cant; Im busy. You always are busy. I never saw such a girl. What in the world do you find to do all the time? asked Fanny, watching with interest the set of the little red merino frock Polly was putting on to her doll. Lots of things; but I like to be lazy sometimes as much as you do; just lie on the sofa, and read fairy stories, or think about nothing. Would you have a white-muslin apron, or a black silk? added Polly, surveying her work with satisfaction. Muslin, with pockets and tiny blue bows. Ill show you how. And forgetting her late contempt for dolls, down sat Fanny, soon getting as much absorbed as either of the others. The dull day brightened wonderfully after that, and the time flew pleasantly, as tongues and needles went together. Grandma peeped in, and smiled at the busy group, saying, Sew away, my dears; dollies are safe companions, and needlework an accomplishment thats sadly neglected nowadays. Small stitches, Maud; neat button-holes, Fan; cut carefully, Polly, and dont waste your cloth. Take pains; and the best needlewoman shall have a pretty bit of white satin for a dolls bonnet. |
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