very high indeed, and would not speak to this doll
because it was "frumpish," or that doll because it was not in the same
set as herself. The China Doll she really could not be on intimate terms
with, because she had a crack across her cheek. Fancy being seen walking
with a cracky person! Also, she must really decline being introduced to
the Farthing Doll. A very good, worthy person, no doubt, but really she
and a doll worth a farthing could not possibly have many tastes in
common.

As to the Rag Doll, she was a pushing person. At a tea-party at which
they had both been present, she had asked Claribelle if she didn't think
that skirts were fuller. To think of discussing clothes with a creature
of rags! The idea was really too comical!

It was thus, and in this proud spirit, that Claribelle talked about the
other and more modest Toys. There were, indeed, very few that she would
take the slightest notice of. As a matter of fact, when she walked down
the counter she held her nose so much in the air that it was very rarely
she saw anyone. She did not care in the least whether she trod on other
people's toes or not.

From this you will easily understand that she was a Toy who gained more
admiration than love. There was, however, one who was truly devoted to
Claribelle. This was the Driver of the Wagon, who was always of the
opinion that beneath her haughty manner lay a kind heart. They were
engaged to be married, and with true affection he often spoke to her
about her haughty manner to the other Toys.

On such occasions Claribelle tossed her head and flew into a passion,
often sulking for hours afterwards. Yet, although she so sorely tried
the Driver's patience, he continued to love her. And when all other
means had failed he would often sing her back to good temper, for he had
a beautiful tenor voice.

He was a little proud of his voice, and used to practise every night,
partly because he loved music, also because he delighted to show his
devotion to Claribelle by singing her little love-songs in a
well-trained manner.

He was of a kindly, genial nature, so that you would have thought it was
hardly possible to quarrel with him. But Claribelle's pride not seldom
caused a dispute between them, and she would often start a heated
argument without any reason.

It was thus one day that a quarrel arose which ended in the most serious
manner.

They were out driving in the Wagon, when the Driver, remembering he owed
a ca