to find fun," remarked Alice, "But see here, Yum-kim, or
Loddy-Shoddy, whoever may be in authority," called Alice, "please bring
back that couch, very carefully now, when you have dumped the queen on
the lawn."
At this the slaves stopped, but did not dump their queen. Instead,
they slowly lowered the chariot, and even assisted her to alight.
"Thanks, awfully," said Tavia, in common English, "I suppose that honor
is saved for most persons' funerals. It's something to have tried
it--I think Indian funeral marches perfectly lovely. I must die in
India."
"Funeral march! Well, I like that!" groaned George Mason. "Of all the
frosts--"
"That, my dear queen," declared Ralph Wilson, "was your triumphant
procession-all! Did you notice the procesh? Funeral indeed! You
would never get off that easy with a funeral in India."
Viola was standing on the porch smiling pleasantly. Somehow she seemed
very agreeable to-day. Dorothy noticed how cordially she had greeted
her, and even Tavia felt she should certainly have to be civil to the
"Green Violet" if the latter kept her "manners going."
"Introduce me to your cousins," said Viola affably, coming up to where
Dorothy stood.
"Certainly," answered Dorothy. "I was waiting for an opportunity. The
queen-show took all our attention."
"Wasn't it splendid," and Viola seemed to have enjoyed the fun. "I do
think boys do the funniest things."
"Yes, they certainly are original. I have two small brothers and they
keep me going."
"How lovely to have brothers!" remarked Viola. "I am all alone at
home."
"It must be lonely," sympathized Dorothy, "but then, you can have
everything your own way."
"Just like lying abed on a holiday," said Viola, "one never enjoys it.
I believe we always want what we cannot get, and scarcely ever
appreciate what we have."
"I find it that way sometimes," admitted Dorothy, "but to make sure I
am not mistaken I often suppose myself without that which I fail to
appreciate. It is a good test of one's real self, you know."
"But a lot of trouble," sighed Viola. "I take things as they come--and
always want more, or to be rid of some. But I have one real love, and
that's music. I was called Viola because my dear grandfather was a
celebrated violinist, and perhaps that is why I have such a passion for
music."
"Do you play?" asked Dorothy, interested.
"Yes, I study the piano and violin, but of course I like the violin
best. The
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