“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 every one.  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 veil 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 hill 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 some day;” and Mrs. Pecq looked longingly at the English ship, though it was evidently outward bound.  Then, as if reproaching herself for discontent, she added:  “It looks like those I used to see going off to India with a load of missionaries.  I came near going myself once, with a lady bound for Siam; but I went to Canada with her sister, and here I am.”

“I’d like to be a missionary and go where folks throw their babies to the crocodiles.  I’d watch and fish them out, and have a school, and bring them up, and convert all the people till they knew better,” said warm-hearted Molly Loo, who befriended every abused animal and forlorn child she met.

“We needn’t go to Africa to be missionaries; they have ’em nearer home and need ’em, too.  In all the big cities there are a many, and they have their hands full with the poor, the wicked, and the helpless.  One can find that sort of work anywhere, if one has a mind,” said Mrs. Pecq.