In returning to the first room she saw some scraps of paper scattered about the floor.

She collected them carefully, placed them on the table, and dexterously fitted the pieces together until the entire note-sheet lay before her.

It was covered with writing which had evidently been traced by a hurried hand, yet the child seemed to have no difficulty in reading it.
When she heard the old gentleman's footstep on the staircase, she brushed the scraps of paper from the table, and hastened to open the door before the signal was given; and when he exhibited his purchase she danced for joy.
"It is just like my ball-gown--exactly like it!" she exclaimed, kissing the hands of her benefactor.

Then the old gentleman clothed the child as skilfully as if he were accustomed to such work.

When the task was finished he looked about him, and saw the scraps of paper on the floor; he swept them together, and threw them into the fire.
Then, with the hand of his little companion clasped in his own, he descended to the street in quest of a cab to take them to the Palace of Narcissus.
The Palace of Narcissus had originally been the property of the celebrated danseuse, Mlle.