Part 7 (2/2)
The face of Jeanne's father looked back at her. It seemed to her that his eyes were accusing her.
”You have kept her from her rightful home and from the pleasures of childhood,” went on the voice. And the face in the locket seemed to agree with the voice.
”To-night the child stayed in the park with a puppet--the only play toy she has ever had. She fell asleep in front of the Guignol, where happy children go to clap and laugh. But you give Jeanne no time for play and laughter.”
It was all true. But Suzanne knew that if Jeanne stopped showing the clothes she made, her audience would cease to be interested. If she did not draw her audience, she could not sell the clothes. And if she did not sell the clothes, she could not support Jeanne.
It was all quite terrible for Auntie Sue. And she dared not mention it to a soul. n.o.body knew that Jeanne did not belong to her. n.o.body knew Jeanne's story, not even the Major.
CHAPTER XI
LITTLE SPOILED MARGOT
”Grandmother! Grandmother! Home again! How glad I am!”
Little Margot threw herself into Madame Villard's arms, and the old lady hugged her close.
”Yes, my little Margot. Grandmother comes back for one splendid occasion!”
”Ah, my birthday,” smiled Margot.
And then Grandmother and Margot planned for that birthday. It was strange how Margot did not like so many things.
When Grandmother mentioned a theater party, the little girl shook her dark head.
”No, it is not what I like,” she said.
Then Grandmother suggested a trip to the zoo with a party of girls and boys.
”No, I do not like the zoo!” Margot pouted.
”A Guignol party, cherie?” asked Grandmother.
”Ah, no! They are so stupid!” complained Margot.
And Grandmother smiled and shook her head.
”My Margot is a little bit spoiled, perhaps,” she observed.
Margot was not a little bit, but a great big bit spoiled. Grandmother and Mother had both spoiled her, from the day she was born.
Mother was nearly always with Father and Margot saw little of her. When they were together Mother would kiss and hug a great deal and sometimes she would cry. There were always gifts in Mother's room for Margot.
And when Mother brought her into Father's room, he, too, would pet and caress her and give her toys or candy. Poor, helpless Father! He loved to see his little girl. It made his dull eyes brighten when she came into the room.
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