o grand and magnificent as the Place Vendome, was still a very
pleasant place.

There was a fountain in the centre, with a large basin of water around
it. Outside of this basin the square was paved with asphaltum, and was
as hard and smooth as a floor. The pavement was shaded with trees, which
were planted at equal distances all over it; and under the trees there
were seats, where various persons were sitting. There were many
children, too, playing about under the trees, some trundling hoop, some
jumping rope, and some playing horses.

The carriage stopped at the door of the hotel, and Mr. George took the
children up to his room. It was a front room, and it looked out upon the
square. The children went to the window, and, while Mr. George was
getting ready to go, they amused themselves by looking at the children
that were playing on the square.

Among the other children, there was a boy, apparently about eight years
of age, who was sitting apart from the rest of the children, on a bench
by himself. His complexion was dark, and his hair very black and glossy.
He was very neatly and prettily dressed, though in a very peculiar
style, his costume being quite different from any thing that Rollo had
ever before seen. He had a ball in his hand, which now and then he
tossed into the air.

"He has not any body to play with," said Rollo to Jennie. "I have a
great mind to go down and play with him while uncle George is getting
ready."

"Very well," said Mr. George; "you can go. I shall not be ready for
nearly half an hour. We do not wish to get to the Garden of Plants
before twelve o'clock."

Rollo hesitated a little about going down, and while he was hesitating
the boy rose from his seat and came toward the hotel. He entered under
the archway, and presently Rollo heard him coming up the staircase. He
then determined to hesitate no longer; so he went out into the passage
way to see him.

The boy had reached the top of the staircase when Rollo went out, and
was just then coming along the hall. He looked at Rollo with a smile as
he came toward him, and this encouraged Rollo to speak to him.

"Can't you find any one to play with you?" said Rollo.

The boy shook his head, but did not speak.

He meant by this that he did not understand what Rollo said; but Rollo
thought he meant that he could not find any one to play with him.

"I will play with you," said Rollo; and as he spoke he held out his
hands, with the wrists toge