little lass spoiled for life, most like”; and Mrs. Pecq pressed the
kind hand with a despondent sigh.
“We won’t say, or even think, that, yet. Everything is possible to
youth and health like Janey s. We must keep her happy, and time
will do the rest, I’m sure. Let us begin at once, and have a surprise
for her when she wakes.”
As she spoke, Mrs. Minot moved quietly about the room, pinning
the pages of several illustrated papers against the wall at the foot
of the bed, and placing to the best advantage the other comforts
she had brought.
“Keep up your heart, neighbor. I have an idea in my head which I
think will help us all, if I can carry it out,” she said, cheerily, as she
went, leaving Mrs. Pecq to sew on Jack’s new night-gowns, with
swift fingers, and the grateful wish that she might work for these
good friends forever.
As if the whispering and rustling had disturbed her, Jill soon began
to stir, and slowly opened the eyes which had closed so wearily on
the dull December afternoon. The bare wall with its brown spiders
no longer confronted her, but the colored print of a little girl
dancing to the tune her father was playing on a guitar, while a
stately lady, with satin dress, ruff, and powder, stood looking on,
well pleased. The quaint figure, in its belaced frock, quilted
petticoat, and red-heeled shoes, seemed to come tripping toward
her in such a life-like way, that she almost saw the curls blow
back, heard the rustle of the rich brocade, and caught the sparkle
of the little maid’s bright eyes.
“Oh, how pretty! Who sent them?” asked Jill, eagerly, as her eye
glanced along the wall, seeing other new and interesting things
beyond: an elephant-hunt, a ship in full sail, a horse-race, and a
ball-room.
“The good fairy who never comes empty-handed. Look round a bit
and you will see more pretties all for you, my dearie”; and her
mother pointed to a bunch of purple grapes in a green leaf plate, a
knot of bright flowers pinned on the white curtain, and a gay little
double gown across the foot of the bed.
Jill clapped her hands, and was enjoying her new pleasures, when
in came Merry and Molly Loo, with Boo, of course, trotting after
her like a fat and amiable puppy. Then the good times began; the
gown was put on, the fruit tasted, and the pictures were studied
like famous works of art.
“It’s a splendid plan to cover up that hateful wall. I’d stick pictures
all round and have a gallery. That reminds me! Up in the garret at
our house is a box full of old fashion-books my aunt left. I often
look at them on rainy days, and they are very funny. I’ll go this
minute and get everyone. We can pin them up, or make paper
dolls”; and away rushed Molly Loo, with the small brother
waddling behind, for, when he lost sight of her, he was desolate
indeed.
The girls had fits of laughter over the queer costumes of years
gone by, and put up a splendid procession of ladies in full skirts,
towering hats, pointed slippers, powdered hair, simpering faces,
and impossible waists.
“I do think this bride is perfectly splendid, the long train and vail
are so sweet,” said Jill, revelling in fine clothes as she turned from
one plate to another.
“I like the elephants best, and I’d give anything to go on a hunt
like that!” cried Molly Loo, who rode cows, drove any horse she
could get, had nine cats, and was not afraid of the biggest dog that
ever barked.
“I fancy ‘The Dancing Lesson ; it is so sort of splendid, with the
great windows, gold chairs, and fine folks. Oh, I would like to live
in a castle with a father and mother like that,” said Merry, who was
romantic, and found the old farmhouse on the bill a sad trial to her
high-flown ideas of elegance.
“Now, that ship, setting out for some far-away place, is more to my
mind. I weary for home now and then, and mean to see it again