hat a splendid doll,' exclaimed the child, pointing to the waxen
beauty which outshone the rest of our tribe. It was the first time I had
heard the word _Doll_, though I was well acquainted with the illustrious
individual to whom it was applied; and it now flashed upon my mind, with
pride and pleasure, that, however insignificant in comparison, I too was
a doll. But I had not time to think very deeply about my name and nature
just then, as I wished to listen to the conversation of the two human
beings.

'May I buy her?' said the little girl.

'Can you afford it?' asked the lady in return. 'Remember your intentions
for your brother.'

'Perhaps I have money enough for both,' answered the child. 'How much
does she cost?'

'Seven shillings,' said the shopwoman, taking the doll from her place,
and displaying her pretty face and hands to the utmost advantage.

'I have three half-crowns,' said the little girl.

'But if you spend seven shillings on the doll,' answered the lady, 'you
will only have sixpence left for the paint-box.'

'What does a paint-box cost?' asked the child.

'We have them of all prices,' replied the shopkeeper; 'from sixpence to
seven shillings.'

The little girl examined several with great care, and stood some time in
deliberation; at last she said, 'I don't think Willy would like a
sixpenny one.'

'It would be of no use to him,' answered the lady. 'He draws well enough
to want better colors. If you gave it to him, he would thank you and try
to seem pleased, but he would not really care for it. However, he does
not know that you thought of making him a birthday present, so you are
at liberty to spend your money as you like.'

'Would he care for a seven shilling one?' asked the little girl.

'Yes; that is exactly what he wants.'

'Then he shall have it,' exclaimed the good-natured little sister. 'Poor
dear Willy, how many more amusements I have than he!'

She bought the best paint-box, and received sixpence in change.

'Is there any thing else I can show you?' asked the shopkeeper.

'No, thank you,' she replied; and turning to the elder lady, she said,
'May we go home at once, Mama? It would take me a long time to choose
what I shall spend my sixpence in, and I should like to give Willy his
paint-box directly.'

'By all means,' answered the lady; 'we will lose no time; and I will
bring you again to spend the sixpence whenever you please.'

Without one backward glance towards the beauti