[Illustration: Page 59. ]

 THE

 DOLL AND HER FRIENDS;

 OR

 Memoirs of the Lady Seraphina. 

 BY THE AUTHOR OF "LETTERS FROM MADRAS, " "HISTORICAL CHARADES, " ETC. ETC. 

 WITH FOUR ILLUSTRATIONS BY HABLOT K. BROWNE, ENGRAVED BY BAKER AND SMITH. 

 BOSTON: TICKNOR, REED, AND FIELDS. 

 MDCCCLII. 

 PRINTED BY THURSTON, TORRY, AND EMERSON. 

PREFACE. 

My principal intention, or rather aim, in writing this little Book, wasto amuse Children by a story founded on one of their favoritediversions, and to inculcate a few such minor morals as my little plotmight be strong enough to carry; chiefly the domestic happiness producedby kind tempers and consideration for others. And further, I wished tosay a word in favor of that good old-fashioned plaything, the Doll, which one now sometimes hears decried by sensible people who have nochildren of their own. 

The Doll and Her Friends. 

CHAPTER I. 

I belong to a race, the sole end of whose existence is to give pleasureto others. None will deny the goodness of such an end, and I flattermyself most persons will allow that we amply fulfil it. Few of thefemale sex especially but will acknowledge, with either the smile or thesigh called forth by early recollections, that much of their youthfulhappiness was due to our presence; and some will even go so far as toattribute to our influence many a habit of housewifery, neatness, andindustry, which ornaments their riper years. 

But to our _influence_, our silent, unconscious influence alone, cansuch advantages be ascribed; for neither example nor precept are in ourpower; our race cannot boast of intellectual endowments; and thoughthere are few qualities, moral or mental, that have not in their turnbeen imputed to us by partial friends, truth obliges me to confess thatthey exist rather in the minds of our admirers than in our own persons. 

We are a race of mere dependents; some might even call us slaves. Unableto change our place, or move hand or foot at our own pleasure, andforced to submit to every caprice of our possessors, we cannot be saidto have even a will of our own. But every condition has its share ofgood and evil, and I have often considered my helplessness anddependence as mere trifles compared with the troubles to which poorsensitive human beings are subject. 

Pain, sickness, or fatigue I never knew. While a fidgetty child cannotkeep still for two minutes at a time, I sit contentedly for daystogether in the same attitude; and I have before now seen one of thoseirritable young mortals cry at a scratch, while I was hearing needlesdrawn in and out of every part of my body, or sitting with a pin runstraight through my heart, calmly congratulating myself on being freefrom the inconveniences of flesh and blood. 

Of negative merits I possess a good share. I am never out of humor, never impatient, never mischievous, noisy, nor intrusive; and though Iand my fellows cannot lay claim to brilliant powers either in word ordeed, we may boast of the same qualifications as our wittiest king, forcertainly none of us ever 'said a foolish thing, ' if she 'never did awise one. '

Personal beauty I might almost, without vanity, call the 'badge of allour tribe. ' Our very name is seldom mentioned without the epithet_pretty_; and in my own individual case I may say that I have alwaysbeen considered pleasing and elegant, though others have surpassed me insize and grandeur. 

But our most striking characteristic is our power of inspiring strongattachment. The love bestowed on us by our possessors is proof againsttime, familiarity, and misfortune:

 'Age cannot wither' us, 'nor custom stale' Our 'infinite variety. '

With no trace of our original beauty left, --dress in tatters, complexiondefaced, features undistinguishable, our very limbs mutilated, the merewreck of our former selves, --who has not seen one of us still thedelight and solace of some tender young heart; the confidant of itsfancies, and the soother of its sorrows; preferred to all newerclaimants, however high their pretensions; the still unrivalledfavorite, in spite of the laughter of the nursery and the quiet contemptof the schoolroom?

Young and gentle reader, your sympathy or your sagacity has doubtlesssuggested to you my name. I am, as you guess, a DOLL; and though not adoll of any peculiar pretensions, I flatter myself that my life may notbe quite without interest to the young lovers of my race, and in thishope I venture to submit my memoirs to your indulgent consideration. 

I am but a small doll; not one of those splendid specimens of wax, modelled from the Princess Royal, with distinct fingers and toes, eyesthat shut, and tongues that wag. No; such I have only contemplated froma respectful distance as I lay on my stall in the bazaar, while theytowered sublime in the midst of the toys, the wonder and admiration ofevery passing child. I am not even one of those less magnificent, butstill dignified, leathern-skinned individuals, requiring clothes to takeoff and put on, and a cradle to sleep in, with sheets, blankets, andevery thing complete. Neither can I found my claim to notice upon anything odd or unusual in my appearance: I am not a negro doll, with widemouth and woolly hair; nor a doll with a gutta-percha face, which can betwisted into all kinds of grimaces. 

I am a simple English doll, about six inches high, with jointed limbsand an enamel face, a slim waist and upright figure, an amiable smile, and intelligent eye, and hair dressed in the first style of fashion. Inever thought myself vain, but I own that in my youth I did pique myselfupon my hair. There was but one opinion about _that_. I have often heardeven grown-up people remark, 'How ingeniously that doll's wig is put on, and how nicely it is arranged!' while at the same time my rising vanitywas crushed by the insinuation that I had an absurd smirk or aridiculous stare. 

However, the opinions of human beings of mature age never much disturbedme. The world was large enough for them and me; and I could contentedlysee them turn to their own objects of interest, while I awaited in calmsecurity the unqualified praise of those whose praise alone was valuableto me--their children and grand-children. 

I first opened my eyes to the light in the Pantheon Bazaar. How I camethere I know not; my conscious existence dates only from the moment inwhich a silver-paper covering was removed from my face, and the worldburst upon my view. A feeling of importance was the first that arose inmy mind. As the hand that held me turned me from side to side, I lookedabout. Dolls were before me, dolls behind, and dolls on each side. For aconsiderable time I could see nothing else. The world seemed made fordolls. But by degrees, as my powers of vision strengthened, my horizonextended, and I perceived that portions of space were allotted to manyother objects. I descried, at various distances, aids to amusements inendless succession, --balls, bats, battledores, boxes, bags, and baskets;carts, cradles, and cups and saucers. I did not then know any thing ofthe alphabet, and I cannot say that I have quite mastered it even now;but if I were learned enough, I am sure I could go from A to Z, asinitial letters of the wonders with which I soon made acquaintance. 

Not that I at once became aware of the uses, or even the names, of all Isaw. No one took the trouble to teach me; and it was only by dint of myown intense observation that I gained any knowledge at all. I did not atfirst even know that I was a doll. But I made the most of opportunities, and my mind gradually expanded. 

I first learned to distinguish human beings. Their powers of motion madea decided difference between them and the other surrounding objects, andnaturally my attention was early turned towards the actions of theshopwoman on whose stall I lived. She covered me and my companions witha large cloth every night, and restored the daylight to us in themorning. We were all perfectly helpless without her, and absolutelyunder her control. At her will the largest top hummed, or was silent;the whip cracked, or lay harmlessly by the side of the horse. She movedus from place to place, and exhibited or hid us at her pleasure; but shewas always so extremely careful of our health and looks, and her lifeseemed so entirely devoted to us and to our advantage, that I oftendoubted whether she was our property or we hers. Her habits varied solittle from day to day, that after watching her for a reasonable time, Ifelt myself perfectly acquainted with _her_, and in a condition to makeobservations upon others of her race. 

One day a lady and a little girl stopped at our stall. 

'Oh, what a splendid doll, ' exclaimed the child, pointing to the waxenbeauty which outshone the rest of our tribe. It was the first time I hadheard the word _Doll_, though I was well acquainted with the illustriousindividual to whom it was applied; and it now flashed upon my mind, withpride and pleasure, that, however insignificant in comparison, I too wasa doll. But I had not time to think very deeply about my name and naturejust then, as I wished to listen to the conversation of the two humanbeings. 

'May I buy her?' said the little girl. 

'Can you afford it?' asked the lady in return. 'Remember your intentionsfor your brother. '

'Perhaps I have money enough for both, ' answered the child. 'How muchdoes she cost?'

'Seven shillings, ' said the shopwoman, taking the doll from her place, and displaying her pretty face and hands to the utmost advantage. 

'I have three half-crowns, ' said the little girl. 

'But if you spend seven shillings on the doll, ' answered the lady, 'youwill only have sixpence left for the paint-box. '

'What does a paint-box cost?' asked the child. 

'We have them of all prices, ' replied the shopkeeper; 'from sixpence toseven shillings. '

The little girl examined several with great care, and stood some time indeliberation; at last she said, 'I don't think Willy would like asixpenny one. '

'It would be of no use to him, ' answered the lady. 'He draws well enoughto want better colors. If you gave it to him, he would thank you and tryto seem pleased, but he would not really care for it. However, he doesnot know that you thought of making him a birthday present, so you areat liberty to spend your money as you like. '

'Would he care for a seven shilling one?' asked the little girl. 

'Yes; that is exactly what he wants. '

'Then he shall have it, ' exclaimed the good-natured little sister. 'Poordear Willy, how many more amusements I have than he!'

She bought the best paint-box, and received sixpence in change. 

'Is there any thing else I can show you?' asked the shopkeeper. 

'No, thank you, ' she replied; and turning to the elder lady, she said, 'May we go home at once, Mama? It would take me a long time to choosewhat I shall spend my sixpence in, and I should like to give Willy hispaint-box directly. '

'By all means, ' answered the lady; 'we will lose no time; and I willbring you again to spend the sixpence whenever you please. '

Without one backward glance towards the beautiful doll, the childtripped away by the side of her companion, looking the brightest andhappiest of her kind. 

I pondered long upon this circumstance; how long I cannot say, for dollsare unable to measure time, they can only date from any particularlystriking epochs. For instance, we can say, 'Such an affair happenedbefore I lost my leg;' or, 'Such an event took place before my new wigwas put on;' but of the intricate divisions known to mortals by thenames of hours, days, months, &c. , we have no idea. 

However, I meditated on the kind little sister during what appeared tome a long but not tedious period, for I was gratified at gaining someinsight into the qualities proper to distinguish the human race. Readiness to show kindness, and a preference of others' interests to herown, were virtues which I easily perceived in the little girl'sconduct; but one thing perplexed me sadly. I could not understand why adoll would not have answered her kind intentions as well as a paint-box;why could she not have bought the doll which she admired so much, andhave given _that_ to her brother. 

My thoughts were still engaged with this subject, when a boy approachedthe stall. Boys were new characters to me, and I was glad of theopportunity to observe one. He did not bestow a look on the dolls andother toys, but asked for a box of carpenter's tools. The shopkeeperdived into some hidden recess under the counter, and produced aclumsy-looking chest, the merits of which I could not discover; but theboy pronounced it to be 'just the thing, ' and willingly paid down itsprice. I followed him with my eyes as he walked about with his great boxunder his arm, looking from side to side, till he caught sight ofanother boy rather younger than himself, advancing from an oppositecorner. 

'Why, Geoffrey, ' exclaimed my first friend, 'where have you been allthis time? I have been hunting every where for you. '

Geoffrey did not immediately answer, his mouth being, as I perceived, quite full. When at last he could open his lips, he said, 'Will you havea cheesecake?'

'No, thank you, ' replied his friend. 'We must go home to dinner so soon, that you will scarcely have time to choose your things. Where _have_ youbeen?'

'At the pastrycook's stall, ' answered Geoffrey; 'and I must go backagain before I can buy any thing. I left my five shillings there to bechanged. '

The boys returned together to the stall, and I saw its mistress hand asmall coin to Geoffrey. 

'Where is the rest?' said he. 

'That is your change, sir, ' she replied. 

'Why, you don't mean that those two or three tarts and jellies cost fourand sixpence!' he exclaimed, turning as red as the rosiest doll at myside. 

'I think you will find it correct, sir, ' answered the shopkeeper. 'Twojellies, sixpence each, make one shilling; two custards, sixpence each, two shillings; a bottle of ginger-beer, threepence, two and threepence;one raspberry cream, sixpence, two and ninepence; three gooseberrytarts, threepence, three shillings; two strawberry tarts, three andtwopence; two raspberry ditto, three and fourpence; four cheesecakes, three and eightpence; two Bath buns, four shillings; and one lemon ice, four and sixpence. '

'What a bother!' said Geoffrey, as he pocketed the small remains of hisfortune. 'I wish I could give her some of the tarts back again, for theyweren't half so nice as they looked, except just the first one or two. '

'Because you were only hungry for the first one or two, ' said the otherboy. 'But it can't be helped now; come and spend the sixpence better. '

'There won't be any thing worth buying for sixpence, ' said Geoffreygloomily, as he shuffled in a lazy manner towards my stall. 

'I want a spade, ' said he. 

Several were produced, but they cost two shillings or half-a-crown. There were little wooden spades for sixpence; but from those he turnedwith contempt, saying they were only fit for babies. Nothing at ourtable suited him, and he walked towards our opposite neighbour, who soldbooks, maps, &c. On his asking for a dissected map, all the countries ofthe world were speedily offered to his choice; but alas! the price wasagain the obstacle. The cheapest map was half-a-crown; and Geoffrey'ssixpence would buy nothing but a childish puzzle of Old Mother Hubbard. Geoffrey said it was a great shame that every thing should be eitherdear or stupid. 

'Can't you lend me some money, Ned?' continued he. 

'I can't, indeed, ' replied the other; 'mine all went in this box oftools. Suppose you don't spend the sixpence at all now, but keep it tillyou get some more. '

'No, I won't do that; I hate saving my money. '

So saying, he wandered from stall to stall, asking the price of everything, as if his purse was as full as his stomach. 

'How much is that sailor kite?' 'Two shillings, sir. '--'How much is thatbat?' 'Seven and sixpence. '--'How much is that wooden box with secretdrawer?' 'Three shillings. '

'How provoking!' he exclaimed. 'I want heaps of things, and this stupidsixpence is no good at all. '

'It is better than nothing, ' said Edward. 'It is not every day thatone's aunt sends one five shillings, to spend in the bazaar; and incommon times sixpence is not to be despised. After all, there are plentyof things it will buy. Do you want a top?'

'No; I've got four. '

'Garden seeds?'

'What is the use of them, when I can't get a spade?'

'Steel pens? You said this morning you could not write with quills. '

'I don't like buying those kind of things with my own money. '

'A box? Yesterday you wanted a box. '

'I don't care for boxes that won't lock, and I can't get one with a lockand key for sixpence. '

'A knife?'

'Sixpenny knives have only one blade; I want two. '

'Sealing-wax? wafers? a penholder? a paint-box? India-rubber? pencils?'

'Stupid things!'

'A ball? You might have a very good ball. '

'Not a cricket ball; and I don't care for any other. '

'What a particular fellow you are! I am sure I could always findsomething to spend sixpence in. String? One is always wanting string. You may have a good ball of whipcord. '

'These sort of places don't sell it. '

'Then, I say again, keep your money till you want it. '

'No, that I'll never do, when I came on purpose to spend it. After all, the only thing I can think of, ' continued Geoffrey, after a pause, 'isto go back to the pastrycook's. There was one kind of tart I did nottaste, and perhaps it would be nicer than the others. I'll give you oneif you like. '

'No, thank you; I am much obliged to you all the same; but I won't helpyou to spend your money in that way. Don't buy any more tarts. Come andwalk about; there are plenty more shops to look at. '

They sauntered on, but Geoffrey, by various turns, worked his way backto the pastrycook's; and as no persuasions could then bring him away, Edward walked off, not choosing, as he said, to encourage him. 

Presently I saw a tall gentleman enter the bazaar, and I wondered whathe would buy. I did not then understand the difference between grown-uppeople and children, and as he approached my stall, I could not repressa hope that he would buy _me_. But his quick eye glanced over the tableswithout resting on any of the toys. 

'Can I show you any thing, sir?' said my mistress. 

'No, I am much obliged to you, ' he answered, with a pleasant smile. 'Iam only in search of some young people who, I dare say, have been bettercustomers than I. Ah, here they are, ' he continued, as the two boys ofwhom I had taken so much notice ran up to him from different ends of theroom. 

'Well, boys, ' said he, 'what have you bought? Must we hire a wagon tocarry your property home?'

'Not quite, ' answered Edward. 'I have bought a wagon-load of amusement, but I can carry it home well enough myself; I have spent all my money inthis box of tools. '

'A very sensible and useful purchase, ' said the gentleman; 'they willgive you plenty of pleasant employment. The only objection is, that theyare likely to be lost or broken at school. '

'I do not mean to take them to school, papa. I shall use them in theholidays, and leave them with Willy when I go back to school; that wasone reason why I bought them. Willy could do a good deal ofcarpentering on his sofa. '

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'True, my boy, and a kind thought. They will be a great amusement topoor Willy, and he will take good care of them for you. '

'Now, Geoffrey, how have you invested your capital? I hope you havefound a strong spade. It is fine weather for gardening. '

'No, I haven't, ' stammered Geoffrey. 

'Well, what have you bought?'

'I don't know, ' said Geoffrey. 

'Do you mean that you have not spent your money yet? Make haste, then, for I can only allow you five minutes more. I expected to find you readyto go home. Be brisk; there is every thing on that stall that the heartof boy can wish, ' said the gentleman, pointing to my abode. 

But Geoffrey did not move. 'I don't want any thing, ' said he at last. 

'What a fortunate boy!' said the gentleman; but he presently added, 'Have you lost your money?'

'No. '

'Show it to me. '

Geoffrey slowly produced his sixpence, almost hidden in the palm of hishand. 

'Where is the rest?' asked the gentleman. 'Have you spent it?'

'Yes. '

'And nothing to show for it? Nothing?'--and the gentleman looked at theboy more narrowly. 'Nothing, ' said he again, 'except a few crumbs ofpie-crust on your waistcoat? Oh, Geoffrey!'

There was a short silence, and the boy colored a good deal; at last hesaid, 'It was my own money. '

'You will wish it was your own again before long, I dare say, ' said thegentleman. 'However, we must hope you will be wiser in time. Come homenow to dinner. '

'I don't want any dinner, ' said Geoffrey. 

'Probably not, but Edward and I do. We have not dined on tarts; and Idare say Ned is as hungry as I am. '

So saying, he led the way towards the door, leaving me, as usual, pondering over what had passed. One word used by the gentleman made agreat impression on me--USEFUL. 

What could that mean? Various considerations were suggested by thequestion. Some things, it seemed, were useful, others not; and whatpuzzled me most was, that the very same things appeared to be useful tosome people, and not to others. For instance, the sixpenny paint-box, which had been rejected as useless to Willy, was bought soon afterwardsby a small boy, who said it would be the most useful toy he had. 

Could this be the case with every thing? Was it possible that everything properly applied might have its use, and that its value dependedupon those who used it? If so, why was Geoffrey blamed for spending hismoney in tarts? _He_ liked them. Perhaps he had plenty of food at home, and that uselessness consisted in a thing's not being really wanted. Irevolved the subject in my mind, and tried to discover the use of everything I saw, but I was not always successful. The subject wasperplexing; and gradually all my thoughts became fixed on the point ofmost importance to myself--namely, my own use. 

How changed were my ideas since the time when I imagined the world tobelong to dolls! Their whole race now seemed to be of very smallimportance; and as for my individual self, I could not be sure that Ihad any use at all, and still less _what_, or _to whom_. 

Day after day I lay on my counter unnoticed, except by the shopwoman whocovered us up at night, and re-arranged us in the morning; and even thisshe did with such an indifferent air, that I could not flatter myself Iwas of the smallest use to _her_. Every necessary care was bestowed uponme in common with my companions; but I sighed for the tender attentionsthat I sometimes saw lavished by children upon their dolls, and wishedthat my mistress would nurse and caress me in the same manner. 

She never seemed to think of such a thing. She once said I was dusty, and whisked a brush over my face; but that was the only separate mark ofinterest I ever received from her. I had no reasonable ground ofcomplaint, but I began to grow weary of the insipidity of my life, andto ask myself whether this could be my only destiny. Was I never to beof use to any body? From time to time other toys were carried away. Manya giddy top and lively ball left my side in childish company, anddisappeared through those mysterious gates by which the busy human raceentered our calm seclusion. 

At last even dolls had their day. The beautiful waxen princess no longergraced our dominions. She was bought by an elderly lady for a birthdaypresent to a little grand-daughter; and on the very same day the 'oldfamiliar faces' of six dolls who had long shared my counter vanishedfrom my sight, one after another being bought and carried away. 

I was sorry to lose them, though while we lived together we had had ourlittle miffs and jealousies. I had sometimes thought that the one withthe red shoes was always sticking out her toes; that she of the flaxenringlets was ready to let every breath of wind blow them over herneighbours' faces; that another with long legs took up more room thanher share, much to my inconvenience. But now that they were all gone, and I never could hope to see them again, I would gladly have squeezedmyself into as small compass as the baby doll in the walnut-shell, inorder to make room for them once more. 

One thing, however, was satisfactory: dolls certainly had their use. Seven had been bought, and therefore why not an eighth? I had beensinking almost into a state of despondency, but now my hopes revived andmy spirits rose. My turn might come. 

And my turn did come. Every circumstance of that eventful day is deeplyimpressed on my memory. I was as usual employed in making remarks uponthe passing crowd, and wondering what might be the use of every body Isaw, when I perceived the lady and the little girl who had been almostmy first acquaintances among the human race. As they approached mystall, I heard the mama say, 'Have you decided what to buy with thesixpence?'

'Oh yes, quite, ' answered the child; 'I am going to buy a _sixpennydoll_. '

The words thrilled through me; her eyes seemed fixed on mine, and thesixpence was between her fingers. I imagined myself bought. But shecontinued: 'I think, if you don't mind the trouble, I should like to goround the bazaar first, to see which are the prettiest. '

'By all means, ' replied the lady; and they walked on, carrying all myhopes with them. 

I had often fancied myself the prettiest doll of my size in the place;but such conceit would not support me now. I felt that there weredozens, nay scores, who more than equalled me; and all discontentednotions of my neglected merit now sunk before the dread that I hadreally no merit to neglect. 

I began also to have some idea of what was meant by time. My past lifehad glided away so imperceptibly, that I did not know whether it hadbeen long or short; but I learnt to count every moment while those twomortals were walking round the bazaar. 

I strained my eyes to catch sight of them again; but when at last theyre-appeared, I scarcely dared to look, for fear of seeing a doll in thechild's hands. But no; her hands were empty, except for the sixpencestill between her finger and thumb. 

They came nearer--they stopped at another stall; I could not hear whatthey said, but they turned away, and once more stood opposite to me. Thechild remained for some moments as silent as myself, and then exclaimed, 'After all, Mama, I don't think there are any prettier dolls than thesein the whole room. '

'What do you say to this one, Miss?' said our proprietor, taking up agreat full-dressed Dutch doll, and laying her on the top of those of mysize and class, completely hiding the poor little victims under herstiff muslin and broad ribbons. 

But on the child's answering, 'No, thank you, I only want a sixpennydoll not dressed, ' the Dutch giantess was removed, and we once moreasserted our humble claims. 

'That seems to me a very pretty one, ' said the mama, pointing to my nextneighbour. The child for a moment hesitated, but presently exclaimed ina joyful tone, 'Oh no, _this_ is the beauty of all; this little darlingwith the real hair and blue ribbon in it; I will take this one, if youplease. ' And before I could be sure that she meant me, I was removedfrom my place, wrapped up in paper, and consigned to her hands. Mylong-cherished wishes were fulfilled, and I was bought. At first I couldscarcely believe it. Notwithstanding all my planning and lookingforward to this event, now that it really happened, I could notunderstand it. My senses seemed gone. What had so long occupied my mindwas the work of a moment; but that moment was irrevocable, and my fatewas decided. In my little mistress' hands I passed the boundaries of theworld of toys, and entered upon a new state of existence. 

CHAPTER II. 

A very different life now opened before me. I had no longer any pretencefor complaining of neglect. My young mistress devoted every spare momentto the enjoyment of my company, and set no limits to her caresses andcompliments; while I in return regarded her with all the gratitude andaffection which a doll can feel. My faculties as well as my feelingswere called into fresh exercise; for though I had no longer the widerange of observation afforded by the daily crowd of strangers in thebazaar, I had the new advantage of making intimate acquaintance with asmall circle of friends. 

Having hitherto been so completely without any position in the world, Icould not at first help feeling rather shy at the idea of taking myplace as member of a family; and it was therefore a relief to find thatmy lot was not cast amongst total strangers, but that I had already someslight clue to the characters of my future companions. 

My mistress, whose name was Rose, was sister to the Willy for whom shehad bought the paint-box, and also to Edward, the purchaser of thetools. Geoffrey, the lover of tarts, was a cousin on a visit to them forthe holidays; and they had also an elder sister named Margaret; besidestheir papa and mama, whom I had seen in the bazaar. 

The first of the family to whom I was introduced was Willy, and I soonbecame much interested in him. He was a pale thin boy, who spent the dayon a sofa, to and from which he was carried in the morning and at night. In fine weather he went out in a wheel-chair; but he was unable to move, without help, and was obliged to endure many privations. Though he oftenlooked suffering and weary, he was cheerful and patient, and alwaysseemed pleased to hear other children describe enjoyments in which hecould not share. Every body was fond of Willy, and anxious to amuse andcomfort him. All that happened out of doors was told to him; all thekindest friends and pleasantest visitors came to see him; the new bookswere brought to him to read first; the best fruit and flowers always setapart for him; and all the in-door occupations arranged as much aspossible with a view to his convenience. He and his little sister Rosewere the dearest friends in the world, and certain to take part inwhatever interested each other. As soon as Rose brought me home from thePantheon, she ran up stairs with me to Willy, whom I then saw for thefirst time, sitting on the sofa with his feet up, and a table beforehim, on which stood several books, and my old acquaintances thepaint-box and the chest of tools. 

'Look at this, Willy; is not this pretty?' exclaimed Rose, laying medown on his open book. 

Willy looked up with a pleasant smile: 'Very pretty, ' he answered. 'Isuppose she is to be the lady of the new house; and with Ned's tools, Ihope to make some furniture worth her acceptance. '

'Oh, thank you, Willy dear. And will you help me to choose a name forher? What do you think the prettiest name you know?'

'_Rose_, ' answered Willy, laughing; 'but I suppose that will not do. Idare say you want something very fine and out-of-the-way. '

'As fine as can be, ' replied Rose; 'I have been thinking of Seraphina orWilhelmina: which do you like best?'

'Call it Molly, ' cried Edward, who just then entered the room; 'Mollyand Betty are the best names: no nonsense in them. '

'Call it Stupid Donkey, ' mumbled a voice behind him; and Geoffreyadvanced, his mouth as usual full of something besides words. 'Have anynuts, Willy?' he asked, holding out a handful. 

'No, thank you, ' answered Willy; 'I must not eat them. '

'I wouldn't be you, I know, ' said Geoffrey, cracking one between histeeth; 'never let to eat any thing but what's wholesome, and alwaysreading, or doing something stupid. I believe you are helping Rose toplay with that doll now. Put it into the fire; that is the way to treatdolls. Stupid things. I hate 'em!'

'Pray do not touch it, Geoffrey, ' said Rose. 

'Leave it alone, Geff, ' said Edward. 'You have your things, and Rose hashers. I don't see the fun of dolls myself, but she does, and nobodyshall interfere with her while I am here to protect her. Just rememberthat, will you?'

'The d-o-ll!' said Geoffrey, drawling the word, and making a face as ifthe pronouncing it turned him quite sick. 'Oh, the sweet doll! Perhapsyou would like to stay and play with Rose, and Willy, and the d-o-ll, instead of coming out to cricket. '

'Nonsense, you foolish fellow, you know better, ' answered Edward. 'But Iwon't have Rose bullied; and what's more, I won't have Willy quizzed. Ishould like to see you or me pass such an examination as Willy could ifhe were at school. Why, he can learn as much in a day as we do in aweek. '

'Well, he is welcome to learn as much as he likes, ' said Geoffrey; 'andlet's you and I go and play. What stupid nuts these are! I've almostcracked one of my teeth with cracking them. '

The boys ran off; and presently there came into the room the papa andmama, whom I already knew, and a young lady very like Rose, but older. Ifound she was Margaret, the eldest sister. They inquired whether Willywanted any thing before they went out; and Margaret fetched a drawingthat he wished to copy, while his father and mother wheeled his sofa andtable nearer the window, that he might have more light. When he was madequite comfortable, they told Rose that she might stay and take care ofhim till they returned; and she said she would bring her box of scrapsand begin dressing me. Then I came in for my share of notice, and hadevery reason to be satisfied with the praises bestowed on me. The mamasaid that I deserved very neatly-made clothes; the papa, that my hairwould be a pattern for Margaret's; and Margaret said I was charming, andthat she would make me a pink satin gown. 

They admired the name _Seraphina_, though the papa suggested variousothers which he thought might suit Rose's taste, --Sophonisba, Cleopatra, Araminta, Dulcinea, Ethelinda, &c. ; but as she remained steady to herfirst choice, the LADY SERAPHINA was decided to be thenceforth my nameand title. 

And now began the real business of my life. I was no longer doomed tofret at being of no use, for the object of my existence was plainenough, namely, to give innocent recreation to my young mistress whenat leisure from her more serious employments. Every day she spent somehours in study with her mother or sister; and she would fly to me forrelief between her lessons, and return to them with more vigor afterpassing a little time in my refreshing company. She often showed hertasks to me, and discussed their difficulties. I think she repeated themultiplication-table to me nearly a hundred times, while I sat on the_Tutor's Assistant_ waiting for the recurrence of the fatal words, 'Seven times nine. ' Day after day she could get no farther; but as soonas she came to 'Seven times nine, ' I was turned off the book, which hadto be consulted for the answer. 

At last, one day she came running into the room in great glee, exclaiming, 'I have done the multiplication-table. I have said it quiteright, sixty-three and all. I made no mistake even in dodging. And _you_helped me, my darling Lady Seraphina. I never could have learned itperfect if you had not heard me say it so often. And now, look at yourrewards. Margaret has made you a bonnet, and Willy has made you anarm-chair. '

Beautiful, indeed, was the bonnet, and commodious the arm-chair; and Iwore the one and reclined in the other all the time Rose was learningthe French auxiliary verbs _être_ and _avoir_. I flattered myself I wasof as much use in them as in the multiplication-table; but I do notrecollect receiving any particular recompense. Indeed, after a littletime, it would have been difficult to know what to give me, for Ipossessed every thing that a doll's heart could wish, or her headimagine. Such a variety of elegant dresses as Rose made for me wouldhave been the envy of all my old friends in the bazaar. I had gowns ofpink satin and white satin; blue silk and yellow silk; colored muslinswithout number, and splendid white lace. Bonnets enough to furnish amilliner's shop were mine; but I was not so partial to them as to mygowns, because they tumbled my hair. 

I believe a good many of my possessions were presents from Margaret toRose on account of perfect lessons; but in course of time, I ceased tosuperintend Rose's studies. Margaret said that I interrupted the courseof history; and the mama said that Rose was old enough to learn herlessons without bringing her play into them, and that I must be put awayduring school hours. 

Though I did not think that the fault was altogether mine, I quiteacquiesced in the wisdom of this decree; for during Rose's lastreading-lesson she had stopped so often to ask me which I liked best, Lycurgus or Solon, Pericles or Alcibiades, &c. , that Margaret was almostout of patience. And though I made no answer, and had really no choiceat all between the characters, I felt that I rather hindered business. 

I was therefore now left to myself for several hours in the morning; butI found ample and pleasant employment in surveying the comforts andbeauties of my habitation. For I was not forced to perform the part ofan insignificant pigmy in the vast abodes of the colossal race of man: Ipossessed a beautiful little house proportioned to my size, pleasantlysituated on a table in the furthest corner of the schoolroom, andcommanding an extensive view of the whole apartment. 

I must describe my house at full length. It had been originally, as Iheard, a mere rough packing-case; but what of that? The best brick housein London was once but clay in the fields; and my packing-case was nowpainted outside and papered inside, and fitted up in a manner every waysuitable for the occupation of a doll of distinction. 

My drawing-room was charming; light and cheerful, the walls papered withwhite and gold, and the floor covered with a drab carpet worked withflowers of every hue. Rose worked the carpet herself under thedirections of Margaret, who prevailed on her to learn worsted-work formy sake. So there, again, how useful I was! From the ceiling hung abrilliant glass chandelier, a birthday present from Edward to Rose; andthe mantel-piece was adorned by a splendid mirror cut out of a brokenlooking-glass by Willy, and framed by his hands. I cannot say that Willyever seemed to care for me personally, but he took considerable interestin my upholstery, and much of my handsomest furniture was manufacturedby him. He made my dining-room and drawing-room tables; the frames of mychairs, which were covered with silk by Margaret; my sofa, and myfour-post bedstead; and it was he who painted the floor-cloth in myhall, and the capital picture of the Queen and Prince Albert which hungover the dining-room chimney-piece. I had a snug bed-room, containing abed with pink curtains, a toilette-table, with a handsome looking-glass, pincushion, and rather large brush and comb; a washing-stand, towel-horse, chest of drawers, and wardrobe. But the last two, I mustconfess, were rather for show than for use. They were French-polished, and in appearance convenient as well as handsome, but in reality toosmall to hold my clothes. A few minor articles of dress were kept inthem; but the mass of my gorgeous attire was always in larger boxes andtrunks belonging to my mistress; her work-box, for instance, and at onetime her desk; but her mama turned all my gowns out of the latter whenshe banished me from the lessons, and desired that, for the future, onlywriting materials should be kept in it. 'Every thing in its properplace, Rose, ' I heard her say. 'You have plenty of little boxes fordoll's clothes; and your doll ought to teach you to be more tidy insteadof less so. '

My dining-room was well adapted for all the purposes of hospitality, being furnished with a substantial dining-table, chairs, and asideboard, on which there always stood two trays, one filled withdecanters and wine-glasses, and the other with knives and forks. 

My kitchen was resplendent with saucepans, kettles, pots and pans, andplates and dishes, ranged upon the dresser, or hung from the walls. Ajoint of meat was always roasting before the fire, and a cook of my ownrace appeared to spend her life in basting it, for I never failed tofind her thus employed when Rose was so kind as to take me into mykitchen. There was also a footman, who sat for ever in the hall; and Iwas inclined to consider him rather wanting in respect, till Idiscovered that, owing to a broken leg, he was unable to stand. I didnot quite comprehend the use of my servants, as Rose herself did all thework of my house; but she said they were indispensable, and that if itwere not for want of room, I should have a great many more. 

Besides all these arrangements for my comfort in-doors, I possessed abeautiful open phaeton, emblazoned with the royal arms of England, anddrawn by four piebald horses with long tails, so spirited that theynever left off prancing. Every day, after school-time, Rose broughtthis equipage to my door; and the four horses stood with their eightfront feet in the air while I was dressed for my drive. Then, attired inmy last new bonnet and cloak, I sat in state in my carriage, and wasdrawn round and round the room by Rose, till she said I was tired. Shemade many attempts to persuade the lame footman to stand on thefootboard behind, but she never could manage it. He was a very helplesscreature; and I am not quite certain that he even did his best, littleas that might be. The first time Rose set him up behind the carriage, hetumbled head over heels into the middle of it, and stood there on hishead till she picked him out again. Then he fell off behind, then on oneside, and then on the other, till she was quite tired of his foolishtricks, and left him to sit quietly and stupidly in his old place in thehall. 

I lived in great comfort in my pleasant house, and being of a cheerful, contented temper, never felt lonely, although left to myself duringgreat part of the day; for Rose was very obedient to her Mama's orders, and even if now and then tempted to forget the regulation herself, Willywas always at hand to remind her, and help to fix her attention on herbusiness. But when it was all over, she flew to me with redoubledpleasure. 

One day she said to me, 'My dear Seraphina, I am afraid you must be verydull, alone all the morning. ' I longed to assure her of the contrary;but not having the gift of speech, I could only listen submissivelywhile she continued: 'It is a pity that you should sit doing nothing andwasting your time; so I have brought you some books, which you are toread while I am at my lessons; and I shall expect you to learn just asmuch as I do. '

So saying, she seated me on my sofa, and placing a table with the booksbefore me, 'Look, ' continued she, 'I have made them for you myself, andcovered them with these pretty red and green papers. This is yourEnglish History, and this is your French Grammar; and here is aGeography Book, and here is a History of Rome. Now read attentively, anddo not let your thoughts wander; and be very careful not to dogs-ear theleaves: that always looks like a dunce. And mind you sit upright, ' addedshe, looking back, as she left the room in obedience to a summons fromher sister. 

I obeyed to the best of my power. To be sure, I did not know which wasgeography and which was grammar; and English and Roman history were bothalike to me. But I did as I was bid. I sat upright in the placeappointed me, staring as hard as I could at the open pages; and my worstenemy could not accuse me of dogs-earing a single leaf. 

When my mistress returned, she pleased me much by calling me a very goodgirl, and saying that if I continued to take so much pains, I could notfail to improve. On hearing this, Willy laughed, and said he hoped thatthat was a duplicate of Margaret's last speech; and Rose looked veryhappy, and answered that not only Margaret, but Mama had said the same. 

This was not my only duplicate of Rose's adventures. My educationappeared to be conducted precisely on the same plan as her own. Beforelong, she brought a little pianoforte and set it up in my drawing-room. I thought it rather hid the pretty paper, but it was a handsome piece offurniture. 

'Now, Lady Seraphina, ' said Rose, 'I am obliged to practise for an hourevery day, and you must do the same. See what a pretty piano I havegiven you. You need not mind its being meant for a housewife andpincushion; the notes are marked, and that is all you want. Now practiseyour scales, and be very careful to play right notes and count yourtime. '

I sat at my piano with all due diligence, but I am sorry to say that myprogress did not seem satisfactory. One day Rose said that she was sureI had forgotten to count; and another day, that I hurried the easy barsand slackened the difficult ones; then she accused me of not caringwhether I played right notes or wrong, and torturing her ear by my falsechords; then I banged the notes till I broke the strings: in short, there was no end to her complaints, till at last she wound them all upby declaring that both she and I hated music, and that if Mama andMargaret would take her advice, we should both leave it off. 

But still I practised regularly, and so, I suppose, did Rose; andgradually her reproaches diminished, and she grew more contented withme; and we both persevered, till she said that really, after all, Iseemed to have a good ear, and to be likely to make a very respectableplayer. 

'But you know it all depends upon yourself, Seraphina; your presentimprovement is the result of pains and practice. Pains and practice willdo any thing. '

It was fortunate for me that I had so careful a superintendent as Rose;for unless she had kept a constant watch over me, there is no sayinghow many awkward habits I might unconsciously have contracted. But shecured me of poking my head forward, of standing on one leg, of tiltingmy chair, of meddling with things that were not my own, of leaningagainst the furniture while I was speaking, of putting my elbows on thetable, of biting my nails, of spilling my tea, and of making crumbs onthe floor. 

I cannot say I was myself aware either of the faults or their cure; butI think one seldom does notice one's own faults, and therefore it is agreat advantage to have kind friends who will point them out to us. Ibelieved Rose when she told me of mine; so I had a right to believe herwhen she gave me the agreeable assurance of their cure, and to indulgethe hope that I was becoming a pleasing, well-bred little doll. 

On one mortifying occasion, however, I must own that Rose's anxiety formy always following in her steps was the cause of a serious injury tome. She remarked that I had got into a horrid way of kicking off myshoes while I was learning my poetry; and she thought the best curewould be to make me wear sandals. I observed that she was sewing sandalsto her own shoes at the time, and she consulted Willy about some meansof doing the same by mine. Willy held me head downwards, and examined myfeet. My shoes were painted, therefore sewing was out of the question. He advised glue. This was tried, but it came through the thin narrowribbon of which my sandals were to be made, and looked very dirty. Theywere taken off; but the operation had spoilt the delicacy of my whitestockings, and Rose said it was impossible to let me go such an untidyfigure; we must try some other way. She asked Willy to lend her agimlet, that she might bore holes at the sides of my feet, and glue theribbon into them, so as not to show the glue. Willy said she was welcometo the gimlet, but that he advised her to leave it alone, for that shewould only break my feet. But Rose would not be dissuaded, and beganboring. 

It was on this occasion that I most peculiarly felt the advantage ofthat insensibility to pain which distinguishes my race. What mortalcould have borne such an infliction without struggling and screaming? I, on the contrary, took it all in good part, and showed no signs offeeling even at the fatal moment when my foot snapped in two, and Rose, with a face of utter dismay, held up my own toes before my eyes. 

'Oh, my poor Seraphina!' she exclaimed, 'what shall we do?'

'Glue it on again, ' said Willy. 'You had better have taken my advice atfirst, but now you must make the best of it. Glue is your only friend. '

So Rose glued the halves of my foot together, lamenting over me, andblaming herself so much all the time, that it seemed rather a comfort toher when Margaret, coming into the room, agreed with her that she hadbeen foolish and awkward. Margaret said that ribbon might have been tiedover my feet from the first, without using glue or gimlet either; andRose called herself more stupid than ever, for not having thought ofsuch an easy contrivance. 

My foot was glued, and for the purpose of standing, answered as well asever; and Rose sewed me up in a pair of blue silk boots, and declaredthat I was prettier than before; and my misfortune was soon forgotten byevery body but myself. I, however, could not but feel a misgiving thatthis was the first warning of my share in the invariable fate of myrace. For I had already lived long enough to be aware that the existenceof a doll, like that of every thing else, has its limits. Either bysudden accidents, such as loss of limbs, or by the daily wear and tearof life, decay gradually makes its progress in us, and we fade away assurely as the most delicate of the fragile race of mortals. 

Though the fracture of my foot was my own first misfortune, I had hadopportunities of remarking the casualties to which dolls are liable. Forit is not to be supposed that our devotion to human beings precludes usfrom cultivating the society of our own species. Dolls will be dolls;and they have a natural sympathy with each other, notwithstanding thecompanionship of the race of man. Most little girls are aware of thisfact, and provide suitable society for their dolls. I myself had a largecircle of silent acquaintances, to whom I was introduced by Rose'skindness and consideration. When other little girls came to drink teawith her, they often brought their dolls to spend the evening with me;and among them I had more than once the pleasure of recognising an oldfriend from the bazaar. 

Then I was in my glory. There was a constant supply of provisions in mylarder; and at a moment's notice Rose would produce an excellent dinner, all ready cooked, and dished in a beautiful little china dinner-service. Willy compared her to the genius of Aladdin's lamp; and though I did notknow what that might mean, I quite understood the advantage of beingable to set such a banquet before my friends. I could always commandsalmon, a pair of soles, a leg of mutton, a leg of pork, a turkey, apair of boiled fowls, a ham, a sucking pig, a hare, a loaf of bread, afine Cheshire cheese, several pies, and a great variety of fruit, whichwas always ripe and in season, winter or summer. Rose's papa onceobserved that his hothouse produced none so fine; for the currants wereas large as apples, and two cherries filled a dish. 

Rose and her companions performed the active duties of waiting at tableon these occasions; but the lame footman was generally brought out ofthe hall, and propped up against the sideboard, where he stood lookingrespectable but awkward. 

At these pleasant parties I saw a great range of characters, for Rose'syoung visitors were various in their tastes, and their dolls used to bedressed in every known costume. Besides plenty of pretty Englishdamsels, I was introduced now to a Turkish sultana, now to a Swisspeasant; one day to a captain in the British army, another day to anIndian rajah. One young lady liked to make her dolls personatecelebrated characters; and when she visited us, most distinguishedguests graced my table. I have had the honor of receiving the Queen andPrince Albert themselves; the Duke of Wellington, Sir Walter Scott, andMiss Edgeworth, have all dined with me on the same day, and RobinsonCrusoe came in the evening. 

But it was at these social meetings that I became most fully aware ofthe liability of dolls to loss of limbs. I never remember giving a partyat which the guests could boast of possessing all their legs and arms. Many an ingenious contrivance hid or supplied the deficiencies, and wewere happy in spite of our losses; still, such was the case: and I sawthat dolls, however beloved and respected, could not last for ever. 

For some time after my accident I had no particular adventures. I livedin peace and plenty, and amused myself with watching the family. Theywere all amiable and easy to understand, except Geoffrey; but he was acomplete puzzle to me, and it was long before I could make out why hewas so different from the rest. 

The others all seemed to like to help and please one another, butGeoffrey never seemed happy unless he was making himself disagreeable. If Willy was interested in a book, he was obliged to sit upon the secondvolume, or Geoffrey would be sure to run away with it. If Edward was ina hurry to go out, Geoffrey would hide his cap, and keep him a quarterof an hour hunting for it. The girls dared not leave their worsted-workwithin his reach for a moment; for he would unravel the canvass, or chopup the wool, or go on with the work after a pattern of his owncomposing, so that they would be obliged to spend half an hour inunpicking his cobbling. 

Margaret remonstrated with him in private, and made excuses for him inpublic, and did her best to prevent his tiresome tricks from annoyingWilly; Edward tried rougher means of keeping him in order, whichsometimes succeeded; but still he could find plenty of opportunities ofbeing a torment: people always can when such is their taste. 

One day Margaret was keeping Willy company, while the rest of the partywere gone to the Zoological Gardens. She had brought a drawing tofinish, as he liked to see her draw, and was sometimes useful insuggesting improvements. But while they were thus employed, Margaret wassummoned to some visitors, and went away, saying that her drawing wouldjust have time to dry before she returned. 

But unfortunately, during her absence, Geoffrey came home. He had growntired of the Gardens, which he had seen very often, and rather hungry, as he generally was; so after amusing himself by eating the cakes he hadbought for the bear, he had nothing more to do, and tried to persuadehis cousins to be tired also. But Edward was making himself agreeable tothe monkeys, Rose was cultivating the friendship of the elephant, andtheir Papa and Mama were waiting to see the hippopotamus bathe; so thatGeoffrey's proposals of leaving the Gardens were scouted, and he couldonly obtain leave from his uncle to go home by himself. 

He entered the room, as usual, with his mouth full, having spent hislast penny in a piece of cocoanut as he came along the streets. Whilethe cocoanut lasted, he was employed to his satisfaction; but when thatwas finished, he was again at a loss for something to do. He triedwalking round the room on one leg, working heel and toe, and thatsucceeded very well, and did no harm till he unluckily came to thedrawing-table, when he immediately brought himself to a stand on bothfeet. 

'Hallo!' cried he, 'here's a daub! Is this your splendid performance, Will?'

'No, ' replied Willy, 'it is Margaret's; and mind you don't touch it byaccident, because it is wet. '

'Touch it by accident!' exclaimed Geoffrey; 'I am going to touch it onpurpose. I wonder Margaret is not ashamed to do it so badly. I'llimprove it for her. How kind of me!'

Poor Willy, in dismay, tried to secure the drawing, but he could notmove from his sofa, and Geoffrey danced round him, holding it atarm's-length. Then Willy caught at the bell-rope, but his mischievouscousin snatched it quicker, and tied it up out of his reach. Willycalled all the servants as loud as he could, but no one was withinhearing; and he threw himself back on his sofa, in despair, exclaiming, 'How can you be so ill-natured, when Margaret is always so kind to you?'

'Ill-natured!' answered the other; 'I'm doing her a favor. She admiredthe moonlight in the Diorama; now I shall make just such a moon in herdrawing. ' And while he spoke, a great yellow moon, like a guinea, rosein the midst of poor Margaret's brilliant sunset. 

'That's the thing, ' said Geoffrey; 'and now I shall put the cow jumpingover it, and the little dog laughing to see such sport. Some figuresalways improve the foreground. '

'Oh, you have quite spoilt it!' cried Willy. 'How I wish I could stopyou! I cannot imagine how you can like to be so mischievous anddisagreeable. Oh, if Margaret would but come back. '

At last Margaret came, and the troublesome Geoffrey expected greatamusement from her displeasure; but he was disappointed. Margaret wasone of those generous people who never resent an injury done tothemselves. If Geoffrey had spoilt any body else's drawing, she wouldhave been the first to punish him; but now she was much more vexed atWilly's distress than at the destruction of her own work, and instead ofscolding Geoffrey, she gave herself up to consoling Willy. She assuredhim that there was no great harm done. She said the drawing was good forvery little, and that she would copy it and improve it so much that heshould be quite glad of the disaster; and she made a present of thespoilt drawing to Geoffrey, telling him she was sure he would one daybe ashamed of so foolish a performance, but that meanwhile he might keepit as a specimen of his taste. He had not the manners to apologize, buthe looked very silly and crest-fallen, and left the room in silence, with the drawing in his hand. 

When he was gone, Willy exclaimed, 'If it were not for losing Edward, Ishould wish the holidays were over; Geoffrey is so disagreeable. '

'He is very thoughtless, ' Margaret replied; 'but we must not be too hardupon him. Let us recollect that he has no parents to teach him better, nor brothers and sisters to call forth his consideration for others. Poor Geoffrey has had neither example nor precept till now. But now Papaand Mama give him good precepts; and if we try to set him good examples, perhaps we may help him to improve. '

'Well, I'll hope for the best, and do what I can, ' said Willy. 'Certainly he has some good qualities. He is as brave as a lion; and heis good-natured about giving away his own things, though he is somischievous with other people's. '

'And he is clever in his way, notwithstanding his idleness, ' addedMargaret. 'Those foolish figures that he put into my drawing wereuncommonly well done, though they were provoking to us. '

'You are the best girl in the world, ' said Willy; 'and if you thinkGeoffrey will improve, I'll think so too; but you must own there is roomfor it. '

Perhaps Geoffrey did improve, but it seemed slow work, faults being moreeasily acquired than cured; and for a long time I could perceive nodifference in him. Indeed, as his next piece of mischief concernedmyself, I thought him worse than ever. 

I have often wondered at the extreme dislike which boys have to dolls. Iwas the most inoffensive creature possible, giving myself no airs, andinterfering with nobody; yet even the gentle Willy was indifferent tome. Edward, though he protected Rose in her patronage of me, despisedme thoroughly himself; and Geoffrey never lost an opportunity ofexpressing his mortal hatred to me. I shrunk from Edward's contemptuousnotice, but I was not at all afraid of him, well knowing that neither henor Willy would hurt a hair of my head; but whenever Geoffrey came intothe room, terror seized my mind. He never passed my house without makingall kinds of ugly faces at me; and I felt instinctively that nothing butthe presence of the other boys restrained him from doing me any harm inhis power. 

I had hitherto never been alone with him, but at last the fatal momentarrived. One fine afternoon, Willy went out for a drive in hiswheel-chair, Edward insisting upon drawing it himself, and the two girlswalking on each side. Geoffrey accompanied them, intending to walk withthem part of the way, and to go on by himself when he was tired of theslow pace of the chair. All seemed safe, and I hoped to enjoy a fewhours of uninterrupted leisure. I always liked having my time tomyself; and as Rose had set me no lessons, I reposed comfortably in myarm-chair by a blazing fire of black and red cloth, from the glare ofwhich I was sheltered by a screen. My dog sat at my side, my cat lay atmy feet, and I was as happy as a doll could be. 

Suddenly the silence was broken by a sound as of a turkey gabbling inthe hall; presently this changed to a duck quacking on the stairs; thena cock crew on the landing-place, and a goose hissed close to theschoolroom door. I guessed but too well what these ominous soundsportended, and my heart sunk within me as the door burst open, and mydreaded enemy banged into the room. 

'Why, they are not come home yet!' exclaimed he; 'so my talents havebeen wasted. I meant to have made them bid me not make every differentnoise. When they said, "Don't hiss, " I would have crowed; and when theysaid, "Don't crow, " I would have quacked, or barked, or bellowed, ormewed, till I had gone through all the noises I know. Now I havenothing to do. '

He walked to the window and looked out. 

'What a stupid street it is!' said he. 'If my uncle had not taken awaymy squirt, I would squirt at the people. '

Then he yawned, and sauntered to the bookcase. 'What stupid books! Iwonder any body can write them. I wish Edward had left his tools out; Ishould like to plane the top of the shelf. How stupid it is havingnothing to do!'

As he spoke, I shuddered to see him approaching my end of the room. Hecame nearer; he made a full stop in front of me, and looked me in theface. 

'You stupid, ugly thing, ' he exclaimed, 'don't stare so. I hate to havea doll's eyes goggling at me. '

Gladly would I have withdrawn my eyes, if possible. But they had beenpainted wide open, and what could I do? I never was so ashamed of themin my life; but I had no control over them, so I stared on, and he grewmore indignant. 

'If you don't leave off, ' he cried, 'I'll poke out your eyes, as I didthose 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 wouldbut leave off looking at me, I should give him no offence; but alas, Iwas 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 hangyou. '

In vain I hoped for the return of the rest of the party. I listenedanxiously for every sound, but no friendly step or voice was near, and Iwas completely in his power. 

He began rummaging his pockets, grinning and making faces at me all thetime. Presently he drew forth a long piece of string, extremely dirty, looking as if it had been trailed in the mud. 

'Now for it, ' he exclaimed; 'now you shall receive the reward of allyour stupidity and affectation. I do think dolls are the most affectedcreatures on the face of the earth. '

He laid hold of me by my head, pushing my wig on one side. Alas for mybeautiful hair, it was disarranged for ever! But that was a triflecompared with what followed. He tied one end of his muddy string roundmy neck, drawing it so tight that I foresaw I should be marked for life, and hung the other end to a nail in the wall. 

There I dangled, while he laughed and quizzed me, adding insult toinjury. He twisted the string as tight as possible, and then let itwhirl round and round till it was all untwisted again. I banged againstthe wall as I spun like a top, and wished that I could sleep like a toptoo. But I was wide awake to my misfortunes; and each interval ofstillness, when the string was untwisted, only enhanced them, by showingin painful contrast the happy home whence I had been torn. For I washung on the wall directly opposite my own house; and from my wretchednail I could distinguish every room in it. Between my twirls I saw mypretty drawing-room, with its comfortable arm-chair now vacant; and myconvenient kitchen, with my respectable cook peacefully basting herperpetual mutton; I envied even my lame footman quietly seated in hischimney-corner, and felt that I had never truly valued the advantages ofmy home till now. Would they ever be restored to me? Should I once againbe under the protection of my kind and gentle mistress, or was IGeoffrey's slave for ever?

[Illustration: Page 72]

These melancholy thoughts were interrupted by a step on the stairs. 'Hallo!' cried Geoffrey, 'who would have thought of their coming homejust now?' and he was going to lift me down from my nail; but when thedoor 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 toprevent her seeing me. 

'Come, ' said she, 'those tricks won't go down with me. The more livelyyou are, the more I know you've been after something you ought to havelet alone. '

'Hee haw, hee haw, ' said Geoffrey, twitching her gown, and braying likea donkey. 

'Well, you're speaking in your own voice at last, ' said she, laughing. 'But let go of my gown, if you please; you are big enough to walk byyourself, and I want to set the room to rights. There's some youngladies coming to tea with Miss Rose. '

She bustled about, dusting and putting every thing in order, and talkingall the time, partly to Geoffrey and partly to herself, about the blacksthat came in at the windows, and made a place want dusting a dozen timesa day, when her eye fell on my unfortunate figure, which my persecutorhad just set swinging like the pendulum of a clock. I was a deplorableobject. He had forced me into the most awkward attitude he could invent. My arms were turned round in their sockets, one stretched towards theceiling, the other at full length on one side. I was forced to kick oneleg out in front, and the other behind; and my knees were bent up thewrong way. My wig had fallen off altogether from my head, and was nowperched upon my toe. I was still swinging, when Sarah caught sight ofme. She looked at me for a moment, and then turned round, opening hereyes at Geoffrey much wider than I had ever done. 

'Why, you audacious, aggravating boy!' she exclaimed, making a dash athim with her duster; but he ran away laughing, and she was obliged tofinish her speech to herself. 

'To think of his being so mischievous and ill-natured! What will poorMiss Rose say! To be sure, there is nothing boys won't do; their equalsfor perverseness don't walk the earth. Though I ought not to speakagainst them, while there's Master William and Master Edward tocontradict me. They are boys, to be sure; but as for that Geoffrey!' Andhere she shook her head in silence, as if Geoffrey's delinquencies werebeyond the power of words to express. 

She then released me; and after restoring my limbs to their properposition, and smoothing my discomposed dress, she laid me gently on mybed, and placed my wig on my pillow beside me, with many kindexpressions of pity and good-will. 

Repose was indeed needful after so agitating an adventure; and I wasglad to be left quiet till the young people came in from their walk. Icomposed my ruffled spirits as well as I could; but I found itimpossible not to be nervous at the idea of Rose's first seeing me insuch a plight, and I anxiously awaited her return. They came in at last, Rose, Willy, and Margaret; and after establishing Willy on his sofa, Rose's next care was to visit me. 'O Willy! O Margaret!' she exclaimed, and burst into tears. 

'What is the matter, my darling?' asked Margaret. 

Rose could not answer; but Sarah was there to tell the story, and doample justice to my wrongs. Yet I could not help observing, in the midstof all her indignation, the difference of her manner towards herpresent hearers and towards Geoffrey. She never seemed on familiar termswith Willy, much less with Margaret or Rose. She neither cut jokes norused rough language to them, but treated them with the respect due toher master's children; though, as I well knew, she was extremely fond ofthem, and disliked Geoffrey, in spite of her familiarity with him. 

I saw Geoffrey no more that day. Rose's young friends soon arrived, andconsoled both her and me by their kind sympathy and attentions. One madean elegant cap to supply the loss of my wig; another strung a bluenecklace to hide the black mark round my throat; Rose herself put me tobed, and placed a table by my bedside covered with teacups, each, shetold me, containing a different medicine; and the young lady who hadonce brought Miss Edgeworth to dine with me, charged me to lie still andread 'Rosamond' till I was quite recovered. 

Next morning, as I lay contentedly performing my new part of an invalid, I heard a confidential conversation between Margaret and Geoffrey, inwhich I was interested. 

They were alone together, and she was taking the opportunity toremonstrate with him on his unkind treatment of me. 

'What was the harm?' said Geoffrey. 'A doll is nothing but wood or bran, or some stupid stuff; it can't feel. '

'Of course, ' answered Margaret, 'we all know _that_. It is wasteful andmischievous to spoil a pretty toy; but I am not speaking now so much forthe sake of the doll as of Rose. Rose is not made of any stupid stuff;_she_ can feel. And what is more, she can feel for other people as wellas herself. She would never play you such an ill-natured trick. '

'I should not mind it if she did, ' argued Geoffrey; 'I am not such ababy. '

'You would not mind that particular thing, ' answered Margaret, 'becauseyou do not care about dolls; but you would mind her interfering with_your_ pleasures, or injuring your property. You would think it veryill-natured, for instance, if she threw away that heap of nuts whichyou have hoarded like a squirrel on your shelf of the closet. '

'Nuts are not nonsense like dolls, ' said he. 'Besides, she may have asmany of mine as she likes. I tried to make her eat some yesterday. '

'Yes, and half choked her by poking them into her mouth, when she toldyou she did not want them. She cares no more for nuts than you fordolls. You would think it no kindness if she teazed you to nurse herdoll. '

'I should think not, indeed, ' answered Geoffrey, indignant at the veryidea. 

'Of course not. Kindness is not shown by forcing our own pleasures downother people's throats, but by trying to promote theirs. That is reallydoing as we would be done by. '

'But doing as we would be done by is one's _duty_, ' said Geoffrey. 

'I fear it is a duty of which you seldom think, ' replied his cousin. 

'Why, one can't be thinking of _duty_ in those kind of things, ' answeredhe. 

'Why not?' asked Margaret. 

'Because they are such trifles; duties are great things. '

'What sort of things do you consider to be duties?' Margaret inquired. 

'Oh, such things as letting oneself be tortured, like Regulus; orforgiving an enemy who has shot poisoned arrows at one, like Coeur deLion. '

'Well, ' said Margaret smiling, 'such heroic duties as those do not seemlikely to fall in your way just now, perhaps they never may. Ourfellow-creatures are so kind to us, that we are seldom called upon tofulfil any but small duties towards them, or what you would considersuch; for I cannot allow any duty to be small, especially that of doingas we would be done by. If we do not fulfil that in trifles, we shallprobably never fulfil it at all. This is a serious thought, Geoffrey. '

Geoffrey looked up; and as he seemed inclined to listen, Margaretcontinued talking to him kindly but gravely, bringing many things beforehis mind as duties which he had hitherto considered to be matters ofindifference. But Margaret would not allow any thing to be a trifle inwhich one person could give pain or pleasure, trouble or relief, annoyance or comfort to another, or by which any one's own mind orhabits could be either injured or improved. She maintained that therewas a right and a wrong to every thing, and that right and wrong couldnever be trifles, whether in great things or small. By degrees theconversation turned upon matters far too solemn to be repeated by a mereplaything like myself; but I thought, as I heard her, that it might bebetter to be a poor wooden figure which could do neither right norwrong, than a human being who neglected his appointed duties. 

Geoffrey said little, but he shook hands with Margaret when she hadfinished speaking, and I noticed from that day forward a gradualimprovement in his conduct. Bad habits are not cured in a minute, and hedid not become all at once as gentle and considerate as Willy, nor askind and helpful as Edward; but he put himself in the right road, andseemed in a fair way of overtaking them in due time. He at once left off_active_ mischief; and if he could not avoid being occasionallytroublesome, he at any rate cured himself of teazing people on purpose. And it was remarkable how many employments he found as soon as his mindwas disengaged from mischief. Instead of his dawdling about all themorning calling things stupid, and saying he had nothing to do, allmanner of pleasant occupations seemed to start up in his path, as ifmade to order for him, now that he had time to attend to them. When herelinquished the pleasure of spoiling things, he acquired the fargreater pleasure of learning to make them. When Edward was no longerafraid of trusting him with his tools, it was wonderful what a carpenterhe turned out. When Margaret could venture to leave drawing materialswithin his reach, he began to draw capitally. Good-natured Margaret gavehim lessons, and said she would never wish for a better scholar. Hefound it was twice the pleasure to walk or play with Edward when he wasthought an acquisition instead of a burden; and far more agreeable tohave Rose and Willy anxious for his company than wishing to get rid ofhim. But the advantages were not confined to himself; the whole houseshared in them; for his perpetual small annoyances had made every bodyuncomfortable, whereas now, by attention to what he used to look upon astrifles, he found he had the power of contributing his part towards thehappiness of his fellow-creatures, which is no trifle. 

On the last day of the holidays, the young people were all assembled inthe schoolroom till it was time for Edward and Geoffrey to start. WhileEdward was arranging various matters with Willy, I heard Geoffreywhisper to Margaret that he hoped she had forgiven him for spoiling thatdrawing of hers. She seemed at first really not to know what he meant;but when she recollected it, she answered with a smile, 'Oh, my dearGeoffrey, I had forgiven and forgotten it long ago. Pray never think ofit again yourself. ' Geoffrey next went up to Rose and put a littleparcel into her hands. On opening it, she found a box of very prettybonbons in the shape of various vegetables. When she admired them, heseemed much pleased, and said that he had saved up his money to buythem, in hopes she might like them for her dolls' feasts. Rose kissedand thanked him, and said she only wished he could stay and help her andher dolls to eat them. Every body took an affectionate leave ofGeoffrey, and Willy said he was very sorry to lose him, and should misshim sadly. 

Edward and Geoffrey returned to school, and I never saw Geoffrey again;but a constant correspondence was kept up between him and his cousins, and I often heard pleasant mention of his progress and improvement. 

Time passed on; what length of time I cannot say, all seasons and theirchange being alike to me; but school-days and holidays succeeded oneanother, and our family grew older in appearance and habits. Rosegradually spent less time with me, and more with her books and music, till at last, though she still kept my house in order, she neveractually played with me, unless younger children came to visit her, and_then_, indeed, I was as popular as ever. But on a little friend's oneday remarking that I had worn the same gown for a month, Rose answeredthat she herself had the charge of her own clothes now, and that whatwith keeping them in order, and doing fancy-work as presents for herfriends, she found no time to work for dolls. 

By and by, her time for needlework was fully engaged in Geoffrey'sbehalf. 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 manynice things were sent him from every one of the family. I saw a trunkfull of presents packed and sent off. And when I recollected my firstacquaintance with him, I could not but marvel over the change that hadtaken place, before books, drawing materials, and mathematicalinstruments could have been chosen as the gifts best suited to histaste. 

Edward used to come home from school as merry and good-humored as ever, and growing taller and stronger every holiday. Rose and Margaret were asflourishing as he; but poor Willy grew weaker, and thinner, and paler. Fresh springs and summers brought him no revival, but as they faded, heseemed to fade with them. He read more than ever; and his sisters werefrequently occupied in reading and writing under his direction, for theywere anxious to help him in his pursuits. His Papa and Mama sometimessaid he studied too hard; and they used to sit with him, and try toamuse him by conversation, when they wished to draw him from his books. Doctors visited him, and prescribed many remedies; and his Mama gave himall the medicines herself, and took care that every order was implicitlyobeyed. His father carried him up and down stairs, and waited upon himas tenderly as even Margaret; but he grew no better with all theircare. He was always gentle and patient, but he appeared in less goodspirits than formerly. He seemed to enjoy going out in his wheel-chairmore than any thing; but one day he observed that the summer was fastcoming to an end, and that then he must shut himself up in his room, forthat he minded the cold more than he used. 

'I wish we lived in a warmer country, ' said Rose; 'perhaps then youmight get better. '

'I do not know about _living_, ' replied Willy. 'England is the bestcountry to _live_ in; but I certainly should like to be out of the wayof the cold for this next winter. '

'Why do not you tell Papa so?' asked Rose. 

'Because I know very well he would take me a journey directly, howeverinconvenient it might be to him. '

Rose said nothing more just then, but she took the first opportunity oftelling her father what had passed; and he said he was very glad indeedthat she had let him know. 

From that day forward something more than usual seemed in contemplation. Papa, Mama, and Margaret were constantly consulting together, andEdward, Rose, and Willy followed their example. As for me, nobody hadtime to bestow a look or a thought upon me; but I made myself happy bylooking at and thinking of _them_. 

One morning two doctors together paid Willy a long visit. After theywere gone, his Papa and Mama came into his room. 

'Well, my boy, ' his father exclaimed in an unusually cheerful tone, 'itis quite settled now; Madeira is the place, and I hope you like theplan. '

'Oh, Papa, ' said Willy, 'is it really worth while?'

'Of course it is worth while, a hundred times over, ' replied his father;'and we will be off in the first ship. '

'The doctors strongly advise it, and we have all great hopes from it, mydear Willy, ' said his mother. 

'Then so have I, ' said Willy; 'and, indeed, I like it extremely, and Iam very grateful to you. The only thing I mind is, that you and myfather should have to leave home and make a long sea voyage, when youdo not like travelling, and Papa has so much to keep him in England. '

'Oh, never mind me, ' said his mother; 'I shall like nothing so well astravelling, if it does you good. '

'And never mind me, ' said his father; 'there is nothing of so muchconsequence to keep me in England, as your health to take me out of it. '

'Besides, my dear child, ' said his mother, 'as the change of climate isso strongly recommended for you, it becomes a duty as well as a pleasureto try it. '

'So make your mind easy, my boy, ' added his father; 'and I will go andtake our passage for Madeira. '

The father left the room, and the mother remained conversing with hersick child, whose spirits were unusually excited. I scarcely knew himagain. He was generally slow and quiet, and rather desponding abouthimself; but he now thought he should certainly get well, and was soeager and anxious to start without delay, that his mother had somedifficulty in reconciling him to the idea that no ship would sail tillnext month. She also took great pains to impress upon him the duty ofresignation, in case the attempt should fail, after all, in restoringhis health; and she finally left him, not less hopeful, but more calmand contented with whatever might befall him. 

And now began the preparations for the voyage. There was no time tospare, considering all that had to be done. Every body was at work; andthough poor Willy himself could not do much to help, he thought ofnothing else. His common books and drawings were changed for maps andvoyages; the track to Madeira was looked up by him and Rose every day, and sometimes two or three times in the day, and every book consultedthat contained the least reference to the Madeira Isles. 

Edward was an indefatigable packer. He was not to be one of thetravellers, as his father did not choose to interrupt hisschool-education; but no one was more active than he in forwarding thepreparations for the voyage, and no one more sanguine about itsresults. 

'We shall have Willy back, ' he would say, 'turned into a fine strongfellow, as good a cricketer as Geoffrey or I, and a better scholar thaneither of us. '

Margaret and Rose were to go; and Rose's young friends all came to takeleave of her, and talk over the plan, and find Madeira in the map, andlook at views of the island, which had been given to Willy. And asailor-friend, who had been all over the world, used to come anddescribe Madeira as one of the most beautiful of all the beautifulplaces he had visited, and tell of its blue sea, fresh and bright, without storms; its high mountains, neither barren nor bleak; and itsclimate, so warm and soft, that Willy might sit out all day in thebeautiful gardens under hedges of fragrant geraniums. And when Willytalked of enjoying the gardens while his stronger sisters were climbingthe hills, there was more to be told of cradles borne upon men'sshoulders, in which Willy could be carried to the top of the highesthills as easily as his sisters on their mountain ponies. And now thepacking was all finished, and the luggage sent on board, and every bodywas anxious to follow it; for the ship was reported as quitecomfortable, and the house was decidedly the reverse. Margaret and herfather had been on board to arrange the cabins, accompanied by theirsailor-friend, who professed to know how to fit up a berth better thanany body. He had caused all the furniture to be fastened, or, as hecalled it, _cleated_ to the floor, that it might not roll about in roughweather. The books were secured in the shelves by bars, and swingingtables hung from the ceilings. Willy's couch was in the most airy andconvenient place at the stern cabin window, and there was an easy chairfor him when he should be able to come out on deck. The ship was said tobe in perfect order, whereas the house was in the utmost confusion anddesolation: the carpets rolled up, the pictures taken down, the mirrorscovered with muslin, the furniture and bookcases with canvass; not avestige left of former habits and occupations, except me and my littlemansion. But in the midst of all the bustle, I was as calm and collectedas if nothing had happened. I sat quietly in my arm-chair, staringcomposedly at all that went on, contented and happy, though apparentlyforgotten by every body. Indeed, such was my placid, patientdisposition, that I do not believe I should have uttered a sound ormoved a muscle if the whole of London had fallen about my little ears. 

I did certainly sometimes wish to know what was to become of me, and atlast that information was given me. 

The night before they sailed, Rose busied herself with Sarah in packingup my house and furniture, which were to be sent to a little girl whohad long considered it her greatest treat to play with them. But Rosedid not pack me up with my goods and chattels. 

'My poor old Seraphina, ' said she, as she removed me from my arm-chair, 'you and I have passed many a happy day together, and I do not like tothrow you away as mere rubbish; but the new mistress of your house hasalready more dolls than she knows what to do with. You are no greatbeauty now, but I wish I knew any child who would care for you. '

'If you please to give her to me, Miss Rose, ' said Sarah, 'my littleniece, that your Mama is so kind as to put to school, would thank youkindly, and think her the greatest of beauties. '

'Oh, then, take her by all means, Sarah, ' replied Rose; 'and here is alittle trunk to keep her clothes in. I remember I used to be very fondof that trunk; so I dare say your little Susan will like it, though itis not quite new. '

'That she will, and many thanks to you, Miss. Susan will be as delightedwith it now, as you were a year or two ago. '

So they wrapped me up in paper, and Rose having given me a farewellkiss, which I would have returned if I could, Sarah put me and my trunkboth into her great pocket; and on the same day that my old friendsembarked for their distant voyage, I was carried to my new home. 

CHAPTER III. 

And now began a third stage of my existence, and a fresh variety oflife. 

I at first feared that I should have great difficulty in reconcilingmyself to the change; and my reflections in Sarah's dark pocket were ofthe most gloomy cast. I dreaded poverty and neglect. How should I, accustomed to the refinements of polished life and the pleasures ofcultivated society, endure to be tossed about with no home of my own, and perhaps no one who really cared for me? I knew that I was not in myfirst bloom, and it seemed unlikely that a new acquaintance should feeltowards me like my old friend Rose, who had so long known my value. Perhaps I might be despised; perhaps allowed to go ragged, perhaps evendirty! My spirits sunk, and had I been human, I should have wept. 

But cheerful voices aroused me from this melancholy reverie, and I foundmyself restored to the pleasant light in the hands of agoodhumored-looking little girl, whose reception of me soon banished myfears. For, although altered since the days of my introduction to theworld in the bazaar, so that my beauty was not quite what it had been, Istill retained charms enough to make me a valuable acquisition to achild who had not much choice of toys; and my disposition and mannerswere as amiable and pleasing as ever. My new mistress and I soon lovedeach other dearly; and in her family I learned that people might beequally happy and contented under very different outward circumstances. 

Nothing could well be more unlike my former home than that to which Iwas now introduced. Susan, my little mistress, was a child of about thesame age as Rose when she first bought me; but Susan had no money tospend in toys, and very little time to play with them, though sheenjoyed them as much as Rose herself. She gave me a hearty welcome; andthough she could offer me no furnished house, with its elegancies andcomforts, she assigned me the best place in her power--the corner of ashelf on which she kept her books, slate, needlework, and inkstand. Andthere I lived, sitting on my trunk, and observing human life from a newpoint of view. And though my dignity might appear lowered in the eyes ofthe unthinking, I felt that the respectability of my character wasreally in no way diminished; for I was able to fulfil the great objectof my existence as well as ever, by giving innocent pleasure, and beinguseful in my humble way. 

No other dolls now visited me; but I was not deprived of the enjoymentsof inanimate society, for I soon struck up an intimate acquaintance withan excellent Pen in the inkstand by my side, and we passed our leisurehours very pleasantly in communicating to each other our pastadventures. His knowledge of life was limited, having resided in thatinkstand, and performed all the writing of the family, ever since hewas a quill. But his experience was wise and virtuous; and he could bearwitness to many an industrious effort at improvement, in which he hadbeen the willing instrument; and to many a hard struggle for honesty andindependence, which figures of his writing had recorded. I liked towatch the good Pen at his work when the father of the family spent anhour in the evening in teaching Susan and her brothers to write; or whenthe careful mother took him in hand to help her in balancing heraccounts, and ascertaining that she owed no one a penny, before sheventured upon any new purchase. Then my worthy friend was in his glory;and it was delightful to see how he enjoyed his work. He had but onefault, which was a slight tendency to splutter; and as he was obliged tokeep that under restraint while engaged in writing, he made himselfamends by a little praise of himself, when relating his exploits to asympathising friend like myself. On his return with the inkstand to thecorner of my shelf, he could not resist sometimes boasting when he hadnot made a single blot; or confessing to me, in perfect confidence, howmuch the thinness of Susan's upstrokes, or the thickness of herdownstrokes, was owing to the clearness of his slit or the fineness ofhis nib. 

The family of which we made part lived frugally and worked hard: butthey were healthy and happy. The father with his boys went out early inthe morning to the daily labor by which they maintained the family. Themother remained at home, to take care of the baby and do the work of thehouse. She was the neatest and most careful person I ever saw, and shebrought up her daughter Susan to be as notable as herself. 

Susan was an industrious little girl, and in her childish way workedalmost as hard as her mother. She helped to sweep the house, and nursethe baby, and mend the clothes, and was as busy as a bee. But she wasalways tidy; and though her clothes were often old and shabby, I neversaw them dirty or ragged. Indeed, I must own that, in point of_neatness_, Susan was even superior to my old friend Rose. Rose wouldbreak her strings, or lose her buttons, or leave holes in her gloves, till reproved by her Mama for untidiness: but Susan never forgot that 'astitch in time saves nine, ' and the stitch was never wanting. 

She used to go to school for some hours every day: and I should haveliked to go with her, and help her in her studies, especially when Ifound that she was learning the multiplication-table, and I rememberedhow useful I had been to Rose in that very lesson; but dolls were notallowed at school, and I was obliged to wait patiently for Susan'scompany till she had finished all her business, both at school and athome. 

She had so little time to bestow upon me, that at first I began to fearthat I should be of no use to her. The suspicion was terrible; for thewish to be useful has been the great idea of my life. It was my earliesthope, and it will be my latest pleasure. I could be happy under almostany change of circumstances; but as long as a splinter of me remains, Ishould never be able to reconcile myself to the degradation of thinkingthat I had been _of no use_. 

But I soon found I was in no danger of what I so much dreaded. In fact, I seemed likely to be even more useful to Susan than to Rose. Before Ihad been long in the house, she said one evening that she had an hour tospare, and that she would make me some clothes. 

'Well and good, ' answered her mother; 'only be sure to put your bestwork in them. If you mind your work, the doll will be of great use toyou, and you can play without wasting your time. '

This was good hearing for Susan and me, and she spent most of herleisure in working for me. While she was thus employed, I came down frommy shelf, and was treated with as much consideration as when Rose andher companions waited at my table. 

A great change took place in my wardrobe. Rose had always dressed me ingay silks and satins, without much regard to under clothing; for, shesaid, as my gowns must be sewn on, what did any petticoats signify? Soshe sewed me up, and I looked very smart; and if there happened to beany unseemly cobbling, she hid it with beads or spangles. Once Iremember a very long stitch baffled all her contrivances, and she said Imust pretend it was a new-fashioned sort of embroidery. 

But Susan scorned all _make-shifts_. Nothing could have been moreunfounded than my fears of becoming ragged or dirty. My attire was plainand suited to my station, but most scrupulously finished. She saw noreason why my clothes should not be made to take off and on, as well asif I had been a doll three feet high. So I had my plain gingham gownswith strings and buttons; and my shifts and petticoats run and felled, gathered and whipped, hemmed and stitched, like any lady's; and everything was neatly marked with my initial S. But what Susan and I weremost particularly proud of, was a pair of stays. They were a long timein hand, for the fitting them was a most difficult job; but whenfinished, they were such curiosities of needlework, that Susan's neatmother herself used to show off the stitching and the eyelet-holes toevery friend that came to see her. 

Among them, Sarah the housemaid, who was sister to Susan's father, oftencalled in to ask after us all. She was left in charge of the house wheremy former friends had lived, and they sometimes sent her commissions toexecute for them. Then she was sure to come and bring us news of _thefamily_, as she always called Rose and her relations. Sometimes she toldus that Master William was a little better; sometimes that she heardMiss Rose was very much grown; she had generally something to tell thatwe were all glad to hear. One evening, soon after my apparel was quitecompleted, I was sitting on my trunk, as pleased with myself as Susanwas with me, when Sarah's head peeped in at the door. 

'Good evening to you all, ' said she; 'I thought as I went by you wouldlike to hear that I have a letter from the family, and all's well. Ihave got a pretty little job to do for Master Willy. He is to have aset of new shirts sent out directly, made of very fine thin calico, because his own are too thick. See, here is the stuff I have been buyingfor them. '

'It is beautiful calico, to be sure, ' said Susan's mother; 'but suchfine stuff as that will want very neat work. I am afraid you will hardlybe able to make them yourself. '

'Why, no, ' answered Sarah, smiling and shaking her head. 'I am sorry tosay, _there_ comes in my old trouble, not having learned to work neatlywhen I was young. Take warning by me, Susan, and mind your needleworknow-a-days. If I could work as neatly as your mother, my mistress wouldhave made me lady's maid and housekeeper by this time. But I could notlearn any but rough work, more's the pity: so I say again, take warningby _me_, little niece; take pattern by your mother. '

Susan looked at me and smiled, as much as to say, 'I have taken patternby her;' but she had not time to answer, for Sarah continued, addressingthe mother:

[Illustration: Page 106]

'How I wish you could have time to do this job! for it would bring youin a pretty penny, and I know my mistress would be pleased with yourwork; but they are to be done very quickly, in time for the next ship, and I do not see that you _could_ get through them with only one pair ofhands. '

'We have two pair of hands, ' cried Susan; 'here are mine. '

'Ah, but what can they do?' asked Sarah, 'and how can they do it? It isnot enough to have four fingers and a thumb. Hands must be handy. '

'And so they are, ' answered Susan's mother. 'See whether any hands coulddo neater work than that. ' And she pointed me out to Sarah. 

Sarah took me up, and turned me from side to side. Then she looked at myhems, then at my seams, then at my gathers, while I felt truly proud andhappy, conscious that not a long stitch could be found in either. 

'Well to be sure!' exclaimed she, after examining me all over; 'do youmean that all that is really Susan's own work?'

'Every stitch of it, ' replied the mother; 'and I think better need notbe put into any shirt, though Master William does deserve the best ofevery thing. '

'You never said a truer word, neither for Master William nor for littleSusan, ' replied Sarah; 'and I wish you joy, Susan, of being able to helpyour mother so nicely, for now I can leave you the job to do betweenyou. '

She then told them what was to be the payment for the work, which was amatter I did not myself understand, though I could see that it gave themgreat satisfaction. 

The money came at a most convenient time, to help in fitting out Susan'sbrother Robert for a place which had been offered to him in the country. It was an excellent place; but there were several things, as his motherwell knew, that poor Robert wanted at starting, but would not mentionfor fear his parents should distress themselves to obtain them for him. Both father and mother had been saving for the purpose, without sayingany thing about it to Robert; but they almost despaired of obtainingmore than half the things they wanted, till this little sum of moneycame into their hands so opportunely. 

The father was in the secret, but Robert could scarcely believe hiseyes, when one evening his mother and Susan laid on the table beforehim, one by one, all the useful articles he wished to possess. At firsthe seemed almost more vexed than pleased, for he thought of the savingand the slaving that his mother must have gone through to gain them; butwhen she told him how much of them was due to his little sister'sneatness and industry, and how easy the work had been when sharedbetween them, he was as much pleased as Susan herself. 

We were all very happy that evening, including even the humble friendson the shelf; for I sat on my trunk, and related to the Pen how useful Ihad been in teaching Susan to work; and the worthy Pen stood boltupright in his inkstand, and confided to me with honest pride, thatRobert had been chosen to his situation on account of his excellentwriting. 

Time passed on, and I suppose we all grew older, as I noticed from timeto time various changes that seemed to proceed from that cause. Thebaby, for instance, though still going by the name of 'Baby, ' had becomea strong able-bodied child, running alone, and very difficult to keepout of mischief. The most effectual way of keeping her quiet was toplace me in her hands, when she would sit on the floor nursing me by thehour together, while her mother and sister were at work. 

Susan was become a tall strong girl, more notable than ever, and, likeRose before her, she gradually bestowed less attention on me; so that Iwas beginning to feel myself neglected, till on a certain birthday ofher little sister's, she declared her intention of making me overaltogether to the baby-sister for a birthday present. Then I once morerose into importance, and found powers which I thought declining, stillundiminished. The baby gave a scream of delight when I was placed in herhand as her own. Till then she had only possessed one toy in the world, an old wooden horse, in comparison with which I seemed in the full bloomof youth and beauty. This horse, which she called JACK, had lost notmerely the ornaments of mane and tail, but his head, one fore and onehind leg; so that nothing remained of the once noble quadruped but abarrel with the paint scratched off, rather insecurely perched upon astand with wheels. But he was a faithful animal, and did his work to thelast. The baby used to tie me on to his barrel, and Jack and I weredrawn round and round the kitchen with as much satisfaction to ourmistress, as in the days when I shone forth, in my gilt coach with itsfour prancing piebalds. 

But the baby's treatment of me, though gratifying from its cordiality, had a roughness and want of ceremony that affected my enfeebled frame. Icould not conceal from myself that the infirmities I had observed inother dolls were gradually gaining ground upon me. Nobody ever said aharsh word to me, or dropped a hint of my being less pretty than ever, and the baby called me 'Beauty, beauty, ' twenty times a day; but stillI knew very well that not only had my rosy color and fine hairdisappeared, but I had lost the whole of one leg and half of the other, and the lower joints of both my arms. In fact, as my worthy friend thePen observed, both he and I were reduced to stumps. 

The progress of decay caused me no regret, for I felt that I had done mywork, and might now gracefully retire from public life, and resign myplace to newer dolls. But though contented with my lot, I had still oneanxious wish ungratified. The thought occupied my mind incessantly; andthe more I dwelt upon it, the stronger grew the hope that I might have achance of seeing my old first friends once more. This was now my onlyremaining care. 

News came from them from time to time. Sarah brought word that MasterWilliam was better; that they had left Madeira, and gone travellingabout elsewhere. Then that the father had been in England upon business, and gone back again; that Mr. Edward had been over to foreign parts onesummer holidays to see his family, and on his return had come to giveher an account of them. 

Sarah was always very bustling when she had any news to bring of thefamily, but one day she called on us in even more flurry than usual. Shewas quite out of breath with eagerness. 

'Sit down and rest a minute before you begin to speak, ' said her quietsister-in-law. 'There must be some great news abroad. It seems almosttoo much for you. '

Susan nodded, and began to unpack a great parcel she had brought withher. 

'It don't seem bad news, to judge by your face, ' said the other; for nowthat Sarah had recovered breath, her smiles succeeded one another sofast, that she seemed to think words superfluous. 

'I guess, I guess, ' cried Susan. 'They are coming home. '

'They are, indeed, ' answered Sarah at last; 'they are coming home asfast as steam-engines can bring them: and here is work more than enoughfor you and mother till they come. Miss Margaret is going to bemarried, and you are to make the wedding-clothes. '

So saying, she finished unpacking her parcel, and produced various finematerials which required Susan's neatest work. 

'These are for you to begin with, ' said she, 'but there is more coming. 'She then read a letter from the ladies with directions about theneedlework, to which Susan and her mother listened with great attention. Then Sarah jumped up, saying she must not let the grass grow under herfeet, for she had plenty to do. The whole house was to be got ready; andshe would not have a thing out of its place, nor a speck of dust to befound, for any money. 

Susan and her mother lost no time either; their needles never seemed tostop: and I sat on the baby's lap watching them, and enjoying the happyanticipation that my last wish would soon be accomplished. 

But though Susan was as industrious as a girl could be, and just nowwished to work harder than ever, she was not doomed to 'all work and noplay;' for her father took care that his children should enjoythemselves at proper times. In summer evenings, after he came home fromhis work, they used often to go out all together for a walk in thenearest park, when he and his wife would rest under the trees, and readover Robert's last letter, while the children amused themselves. Verymuch we all enjoyed it, for even I was seldom left behind. Susan wouldplease the baby by dressing me in my best clothes for the walk; and thegood-natured father would laugh merrily at us, and remark how much goodthe fresh air did me. We were all very happy; and when my thoughtstravelled to other scenes and times, I sometimes wondered whether myformer friends enjoyed themselves as much in their southern gardens, asthis honest family in their English fields. 

Our needlework was finished and sent to Sarah's care to await Margaret'sarrival, for which we were very anxious. 

On returning home one evening after our walk, we passed, as we oftendid, through the street in which I had formerly lived. Susan was leadingher little sister, who, on her part, clutched me in a way very unlikethe gentleness which Susan bestowed upon her. On arriving at thewell-known house, we saw Sarah standing at the area-gate. We stopped tospeak to her. 

'When are they expected?' asked Susan's mother. 

'They may be here any minute, ' answered Sarah; 'Mr. Edward has justbrought the news. '

The street-door now opened, and two gentlemen came out and stood on thesteps. One was a tall fine-looking boy, grown almost into a young man;but I could not mistake the open good-humored countenance of my oldfriend Edward. The other was older, and I recognised him as thetraveller who used to describe Madeira to Willy. 

They did not notice us, for we stood back so as not to intrude, andtheir minds were evidently fully occupied with the expected meeting. 

We all gazed intently down the street, every voice hushed in eagerinterest. Even my own little mistress, usually the noisiest of hertribe, was silent as myself. It was a quiet street and a quiet time, andthe roll of the distant carriages would scarcely have seemed to breakthe silence, had it not been for our intense watching, and hoping thatthe sound of every wheel would draw nearer. We waited long, and weremore than once disappointed by carriages passing us and disappearing atthe end of the street. Edward and his friend walked up and down, eastand west, north and south, in hopes of descrying the travellers in theremotest distance. But after each unavailing walk, they took up theirpost again on the steps. 

At last a travelling carriage laden with luggage turned the nearestcorner, rolled towards us, and stopped at the house. The two gentlemenrushed down the steps, flung open the carriage-door, and for somemoments all was hurry and agitation, and I could distinguish nothing. 

I much feared that I should now be obliged to go home without actuallyseeing my friends, for they had passed so quickly from the carriage tothe house, and there had been so much confusion and excitement duringthose few seconds, that my transient glance scarcely allowed me to knowone from another; but in course of time Sarah came out again, and askedSusan's father to help in unloading the carriage, desiring us to sitmeanwhile in the housekeeper's room. So we waited till the business wasfinished, when, to my great joy, we were summoned to the sitting-room, and I had the happiness of seeing all the family once more assembled. 

I was delighted to find how much less they were altered than I. I hadbeen half afraid that I might see one without a leg, another without anarm, according to the dilapidations which had taken place in my ownframe; but strange to say, their sensitive bodies, which felt everychange of weather, shrunk from a rough touch, and bled at the scratchof a pin, had outlasted mine, though insensible to pain or sickness. There stood the father, scarcely altered; his hair perhaps a little moregray, but his eyes as quick and bright as ever. And there was themother, still grave and gentle, but looking less sad and careworn thanin the days of Willy's constant illness. And there was, first ininterest to me, my dear mistress, Rose, as tall as Margaret, and ashandsome as Edward. I could not imagine her condescending to play withme now. Margaret looked just as in former times, good and graceful; butshe stood a little apart with the traveller friend by her side, and Iheard Rose whisper to Susan that the wedding was to take place in afortnight. They were only waiting for Geoffrey to arrive. His ship wasdaily expected, and they all wished him to be present. 

And Willy, for whose sake the long journey had been made, how was he?Were all their hopes realized? Edward shook his head when Susan's motherasked that question; but Willy was there to answer it himself. He wasstanding by the window, leaning on a stick, it is true, but yet able tostand. As he walked across the room, I saw that he limped slightly, butcould move about where he pleased. He still looked thin and pale, butthe former expression of suffering and distress had disappeared, and hiscountenance was as cheerful as his manner. I could see that he was verymuch better, though not in robust health like Edward's. He thankedSusan's mother for her kind inquiries, and said that, though he had notbecome all that his sanguine brother hoped, he had gained health morethan enough to satisfy himself; that he was most thankful for hispresent comfort and independence; and that if he was not quite so strongas other people, he hoped he should at any rate make a good use of thestrength that was allowed him. Turning to Edward, who still lookeddisappointed, he continued: 'Who could have ventured to hope, Edward, three years ago, that you and I should now be going to collegetogether?' And then even Edward smiled and seemed content. 

As we turned to leave the room, Susan and her little sister lingered fora moment behind the others, and the child held me up towards Rose. Rosestarted, and exclaimed, 'Is it possible? It really _is_ my poor oldSeraphina. Who would have thought of her being still in existence? Whata good, useful doll she has been! I really must give her a kiss oncemore for old friendship's sake. '

So saying, she kissed both me and the baby, and we left the house. 

And now there remains but little more for me to relate. My history andmy existence are fast drawing to an end; my last wish has been gratifiedby my meeting with Rose, and my first hope realized by her praise of myusefulness. She has since given the baby a new doll, and I am finallylaid on the shelf, to enjoy, in company with my respected friend thePen, a tranquil old age. When he, like myself, was released from activework, and replaced by one of Mordan's patent steel, he kindly offered toemploy his remaining leisure in writing from my dictation, and it is incompliance with his advice that I have thus ventured to record myexperience. 

That experience has served to teach me that, as all inanimate thingshave some destined use, so all rational creatures have some appointedduties, and are happy and well employed while fulfilling them. 

With this reflection, I bid a grateful farewell to those young patronsof my race who have kindly taken an interest in my memoirs, contentedlyawaiting the time when the small remnant of my frame shall be reduced todust, and my quiet existence sink into a still more profound repose. 

THE END.