Part 11 (2/2)

One day when Margot came home, she said to Grandmother, ”Grandmother dear, I have at last thought what you may give me on my birthday.”

Grandmother took her hand.

”I am glad, cherie,” she answered, ”because the day is drawing near.”

”If I may take Jeanne with me to the Bois and spend the day there, that is all I wish,” said Margot.

”And no party?” Grandmother looked surprised.

”No. I prefer that,” said Margot.

Grandmother telephoned to Auntie Sue. It was arranged that Jeanne was to be spared for that one day--Margot's birthday.

A day in the woods was planned with a picnic and a boat ride, but, best of all, with Jeanne and Pierrot.

The morning of Margot's birthday arrived. As the little girl opened her eyes, a dismal sight met them.

The gray sky was pouring down bucketsful of rain. The morning was as gray and dark as a rainy morning can be. Margot saw her day in the woods spoiled, and she started to cry.

But Grandmother arranged that Jeanne was to come to the apartment.

Margot's pout did not make of her a very happy looking birthday girl.

But she had to be satisfied with these plans.

”It would have been so nice to play in the Bois,” she sulked.

”Yes, cherie,” said Grandmother, ”but we cannot change the weather.”

And so in front of a crackling fire in Margot's toy stuffed nursery, the two little girls spent the day.

Margot met Jeanne with, ”Isn't it too bad?”

But Jeanne could find nothing to feel sorry about.

”Oh, what a beautiful fire!” she exclaimed.

And after a little while, Margot began to be glad that the day was rainy, because Jeanne was glad.

CHAPTER XVI

”I WANT TO PLAY”

Auntie Sue worked very hard. She now had several large orders to fill.

She was finis.h.i.+ng Madame Villard's order to-day, and she hoped to bring the little dresses to the apartment that evening.

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