[Polly Oliver’s Problem by Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin]@TWC D-Link bookPolly Oliver’s Problem CHAPTER II 9/15
Of course I 'm not sure which did the work, but why could n't I mix them all in equal parts,--if they would mix, you know, and let those stay out that would n't,--and call it the 'Olivera Complexion Lotion'? The trade-mark might be a cucumber, a lemon, and a morning dew-drop, _rampant_, and a frightened little brown spot _couchant_. Then on the neat label pasted on the bottles above the trade-mark there might be a picture of a spotted girl,--that's Miss Oliver before using her lotion,--and a copy of my last photograph,--that's Miss Oliver radiant in beauty after using her lotion." Margery laughed, as she generally did at Polly's nonsense. "That sounds very attractive, but if you are anxious for an elegant and dignified occupation which shall restore your mother to her ancestral position, it certainly has its defects." "I know everything has its defects, everything except one, and I won't believe that has a single weak point." "Oh, Polly, you deceiver! You have a secret leaning toward some particular thing, after all!" "Yes; though I have n't talked it over fully yet, even with mamma, lest she should think it one of my wild schemes; but, Margery, I want with all my heart to be a kindergartner like Miss Mary Denison.
There would be no sting to me in earning my living, if only I could do it by working among poor, ragged, little children, as she does.
I run in and stay half an hour with her whenever I can, and help the babies with their sewing or weaving, and I always study and work better myself afterward,--I don't know whether it's the children, or Miss Denison, or the place, or all three.
And the other day, when I was excused from my examinations, I stayed the whole morning in the kindergarten.
When it was time for the games, and they were all on the circle, they began with a quiet play they call 'Silent Greeting,' and oh, Margery, they chose me to come in, of their own accord! When I walked into the circle to greet that smallest Walker baby my heart beat like a trip-hammer, I was so afraid I should do something wrong, and they would never ask me in again.
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