Part 10 (2/2)

”Pierrot, you shall never come again if you do not behave!” continued Jeanne.

Margot was laughing, for she could see Pierrot bouncing up and down on the bench. Of course the other children couldn't see it, but Jeanne told Margot about it. So she could see plainly what this naughty puppet was doing.

”Oh, dear!” whispered Jeanne to Margot. ”He will do something dreadful when Guignol comes on the stage. You know he cannot bear Guignol!”

There now was an ugly, red-nosed clown in the play. He had taken Pierrot's place after that day when poor Pierrot had been abandoned.

”Here comes Guignol!” exclaimed Margot.

Guignol slid upon the stage and fell flop!--on his nose. Guignol began to dance. But again he tripped over his big feet and landed puff!--on his stomach.

He stood up, grunting and groaning and puffing, and again he danced.

Margot and Jeanne watched Pierrot bouncing up and down. Jeanne had to catch Pierrot's hat each time it flew off, as it did whenever Guignol fell down on the stage.

Pierrot's hair stood up like wire, and the cap went up in the air. At least, that is what Jeanne said it did!

When the fight came, they could not hold Pierrot. He kicked and squirmed and waved his arms.

Jeanne was so shocked when his cap flew off and hit a gentleman in the eye! Margot was embarra.s.sed, too. They scolded and spanked Pierrot, but it did no good.

”He wants to be in the play,” whispered Jeanne. ”I have spoiled him by making him the hero, and now he cannot watch Guignol!”

The children were relieved when at last the play was over. They were then able to take the unruly puppet away and bundle him into the car.

”My child always disgraces me! But we cannot blame him,” said Jeanne, shaking her head like a fond but troubled mother. ”He was so abused before, and now he has discovered what a great actor he is, and what a hero!”

”Oh, but Pierrot is splendid!” answered Margot.

And pop!--went a b.u.t.ton on Pierrot's suit. His chest puffed out, and his hat flew off. The children laughed.

[Ill.u.s.tration: JEANNE AND MARGOT PLAYED IN THE CHAMPS ELYSeES]

When Margot left Jeanne at the door of Auntie Sue's Shop, she wanted to know when they should be together again. She asked when they should play more of Jeanne's stories with Pierrot.

Jeanne did not tell Margot that she would not be able to play again for many days. Work would interfere. Work was always there to stop play.

But Jeanne did not say this to Margot. Margot would not have understood.

Jeanne only told her that she hoped they would meet soon again.

So with her puppet in her arms, she stepped out of the car. She stepped out of the car and out of a different world from her own.

And Margot planned all the way home to repeat to-day's pleasures to-morrow and to-morrow and to-morrow. Little, spoiled Margot!

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