But I don't mind doing all the visiting." "Oh, it will spoil everything!" groaned Mary to herself, as she ran up-stairs when Girlie was at last out of sight.

She felt that nothing could compensate her for the loss of the whole morning, and the thought of losing any more precious time in that way was unendurable.
Mrs.Sherman met her in the hall, and pinched her cheek playfully as she passed her.

"You make a charming little hostess, my dear," she said.

"I looked out several times, and you were so absorbed with your play that it made me wish that I could be a little girl again, and join you with my poor old Nancy Blanche doll and my grand Amanthis that papa brought me from New Orleans.

I'll have to resurrect them for you out of the attic, for I'm afraid it has been stupid for you here, with nobody your own age." "Oh, no'm! Don't! Please don't!" protested Mary, a worried look on her honest little face.