histled Ganger. "Why, I
thought you'd want all there was in the chest! And you say there are
people out of a lunatic asylum looking for rags like this?" And he held
up one end of the cope.

"Yes, many of them. To me, I must say, they are worth nothing, as I
don't like the idea of mixing up church and state. But Mr. Kling's
customers do, and if they choose to say their prayers before a chasuble
on a priest's back on Sunday and make a sofa cushion of it the next day,
that is their affair, not mine. And now, what else? You spoke of some
costumes this morning."

"Yes, I did speak of my costumes, but I'm afraid they are too modern
for you--I make 'em up myself. Get up, Jane, and let Mr. O'Day see what
you've got on!"

Jane jumped to her feet, looking less Oriental than ever, her spangled
veil having dropped about her shoulders, her red hair and freckled face
now in full view.

"I think her dress is beautiful, Uncle Felix," whispered Masie.

"Do you, sweetheart? Well, then, maybe I might better look again. What
else have you in the way of Costumes, Mr. Ganger?"

Dogger stepped up. "He hasn't got a single thing worth a cent; he buys
these pieces down in Elizabeth Street, out of push-carts, and Jane
Hoggson's mother sews them together. But, my deary"--here he laid
his hand on Masie's head--"would you like to see some REAL ONES,
all-gold-and-silver lace--and satin shoes--and big, high bonnets with
feathers?"

Masie clapped her hands in answer and began whirling about the room, her
way of telling everybody that she was too happy to keep still.

"Well, wait here; I won't be a minute."

"Sam's fallen in love with her, too," muttered Ganger, "and I don't
blame him. Come here, you darling, and let me talk to you. Do you know
you are the first little girl that's ever been inside this place for
ever--and ever and EVER--so long? Think of that, will you? Not one
single little girl since--Oh, well, I just can't remember--it's such
an awful long time. Dreadful, isn't it? Hear that old Sam stumbling
down-stairs! Now let's see what he brings you."

Dogger's arms were full. "I've a silk dress," he puffed, "and a ruffled
petticoat, and a great leghorn hat--and just look at these feathers, and
you never saw such a pair of slippers and silk stockings! And now let's
try 'em on!"

The child uttered a little scream of delight. "Oh, Uncle Felix! Isn't it
lovely? Can't I have them? Please, Uncle Felix!" she cried, both hands
around his