Lucia looked thoughtful and disappeared
from the room for a short time. But Betty noted
on her return that she was not carrying the
doll; and at her first opportunity Lucia ex-
plained. “I did think that perhaps I would
bring it down. Giovanna is going to dress it
for me -- or was. But just as I had it out of its
box Bessie came running down from upstairs
and said that Grandmother Ferris had asked
about it. She had 'Willie' but where did
'Josie' go? Josie was another of her children
that died. Isn't it _pitiful?_ So I just sent Bessie
back with the other doll and I hope that they
are having a quiet time putting baby clothes
on it. I'll send Lina up as soon as we serve.
I think it would be nice to have some of the
girls serve and do it myself, don't you?”

“Yes, I do, Lucia,” emphatically answered
Betty. “How is the grandmother today?”

“Just as quiet and happy as can be most of
the time, Bessie says, only awfully bewildered.
Help me choose the girls, Betty.”

Betty shook her head in the negative, and
with a smile advised Lucia to choose the girls
that would care most about it.

Lucia gave Betty a bright glance and laughed.
Mathilde and two of her friends were among
the first asked, Betty saw. She was not needed

[[112]]

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