Part 2 (1/2)

”How do you do, Frances.-- Very well, Gladys, but I don't want you to worry me. You must play in the other room.” Mrs. Bowen spoke in a languid tone, and returned to her book, but she looked up again to say, ”That is a pretty dress you have on, Frances.”

The child looked down at the red challis she wore, not knowing what reply to make.

”But you are stylish, as Gladys is, I am thankful to say,” the lady continued. ”You look well together, you are dark and she so fair.”

”Come on,” Gladys called impatiently from the door, and Frances followed, feeling that she ought to have said something to Mrs. Bowen.

”I'll show you Marguerite first; she's my handsomest doll. Uncle Jo gave her to me, and she cost twenty-five dollars.”

Frances caught her breath at the idea of such a doll, but was a little disappointed when her hostess took from a drawer a fine lady, whose hair was done up in a French twist, and whose silk gown was made with a train. She was certainly very elegant, however, and her m.u.f.f and collar were _sure enough_ sealskin, as Gladys explained.

”She is beautiful, but I believe I like little girl dolls best,” Frances said.

Gladys brought out others of all varieties and sizes, and while her visitor examined them, she herself talked on without a pause.

”Where did you get your name?” she asked.

Frances, who was adjusting a baby's cap, replied that she was named for her great-grandmother.

”Are you? How funny! Mamma named me for a lady in a book--Gladys Isabel. She doesn't like common names.”

Frances wondered if Gladys thought her name common, and for a moment she wished she had been called something more romantic.

”There is a girl who lives here in the winter,” continued the chatterbox, ”whose name is Mathilde. Isn't that funny? It's French--and she has the loveliest clothes! I wish you could see her--she hasn't come yet. And just think! she has diamond earrings. Have you any diamonds?”

Frances shook her head, feeling very insignificant beside a girl with a French name and diamond earrings.

”I have a diamond ring, but mamma won't let me wear it all the time for fear I'll lose it,” said Gladys. ”Haven't you any rings?” and she glanced at the plump little hands of her guest.

”I have one, but it is too small for me now. I don't care very much for rings,” was the reply.

”Don't you? I do. Mamma has ever so many. If you won't tell I'll tell you something,” Gladys went on; ”Uncle Jo is going to give me a party at Christmas, and if you are here I'll invite you. It is to be just like a grown-up party.”

”Do you go to school?” Frances asked.

”Everyday school? Yes; but I don't like it. I haven't started yet.”

”I think I'll have to go now,” said Frances, rising; ”I hope you will come to see me, Gladys. I have only one doll with me, but I have some games and books.”

”I don't care for books, but I'll come; and if Mathilde is here maybe I'll bring her.”

Frances went downstairs with a sober face. She had intended to tell Gladys the story of The Golden Doorway, and about the Spectacle Man, but she had not had a chance, and now she felt that these things would probably seem tame and uninteresting to a young person of such varied experience.

”Has my little girl had a good time?” Mrs. Morrison asked.

”Y-es, mother, Gladys has some of the prettiest dolls you ever saw, but they are too dressed up to have much fun with, and she didn't seem to want to play.”

”Perhaps she doesn't know how to have a really good time, Wink; some persons don't.”