Under the Lilacs

great gate was never unlocked, and the ol

llein outside the gate made haste to reach the keyhole, that it might peep in and see what was going on. If it had suddenly grown up like a magic

r parlor with the prettiest tapestry. A board, propped on two blocks of wood, stood in the middle of the walk, covered with a little plaid shawl much the worse for wear, and on it a miniature tea-service was set forth with great elegance. To be sure, the tea-pot

keyhole. Upon the left-hand seat lay seven dolls, upon the right-hand seat lay six; and so varied were the expressions of their countenances, owing to fr

d the coverings laid over them, it would have disclosed the fact that a

ared at by thirteen of her kindred? Was she a criminal, the sight of whose execution threw them flat upon their backs in speechless horror? Or was she an idol, to be adored in that humble posture? Neither, my friends. She was blonde Belinda, set, or rather hung, aloft, in the place of honor, for this was her seventh birthday, and a superb ball was about to celebrate the great event. All were evidently awaiting a summons to the festive board; but such was the perfect breeding of these dolls, that not a single eye out of the whole twenty-seven (Dutch Hans had lost one of the black beads from his worsted countenance) turned for a moment toward the table, or so much as winked, as they lay in decorous rows, gazing with mute a

but were not, for Bab was a year older than Betty, though only an inch taller. Both had on brown calico frocks, much the worse for a week's wear; but clean pink pinafores, in honor of the occasion, made up for that, as wel

rnal pride upon the left-hand row of dolls, who migh

st child that ever was!" And Betty set down the basket to run and embrace

perfectly delicious!" said Bab, lifting the napkin to hang over

pug noses sniffed it up luxuriously, and the bright eyes feasted upon the loveliness of the cake, so brown

dn't pick it off. We can give Belinda that piece, so it's just as well

oo," proposed Bab, going, with a hop, sk

uous task accomplished, the fond mammas stepped back to enjoy the spectacle, which, I assure you, was an impressive one. Belinda sat with great dignity at the head, her hands genteelly holding a pink cambric pocket-handkerchief in her lap. Josephus, her cousin, took the foot, elegantly arrayed in

tea. Did you forget the buns

er stale and crumbly ones, saved from lunch for the fete. These were cut up and a

ea isn't good for children, she says." And Bab contentedly surveyed

out the stout little legs which had been on the go all day; for Saturday had its tasks as well as its fun, and much business had preceded t

e may go with her. You know she wouldn't take us in the fall, cause we had whooping-cough, and it w

m while she goes round. May be I'll have time to read some, and then I can te

all shut up there, when we might have such fun with them. I'd just like to bang that old door down!" And Bab twisted round to give it a thum

dn't

ou suppose I know

I know

How darst you

take Belinda and go right

at up t

you are only company, so you'd better behav

anger at once, and she hasten

you know, Ma says she will let us play in the coach-hou

and didn't try to go in, though we might have just as easy as not," cried Betty, appeased

spiders, but I don't care. You and the dolls can be

e time, with that old wooden bit in my mouth, and you jerking my a

," suggested Bab, feeling that it was not saf

such a lovely cake, and know they wouldn't pick at it," said Betty proudly,

n they returned a sight met their astonished eyes which produced a simultaneous shriek of hor

gazing at the dreadful scene. Then Bab cast her water-pail

when she pinched little Mary Ann, and now she has. I'll giv

rection as fast as she could, with the water splashing all over her as she ran, for she had forgotten to put dow

ane!" sho

wall into the avenue, the other to scamper to the spot they had just left. Still, nothing appeared but the dandelio

new scare, which made them both cry "

licking his lips after basely eating up the last poor bits of

to give battle, but afraid, for the dog w

?" whispered Betty, making herself as small

mpudent manner; and never, during the three years he had stood on the parlor mantel-piece, had the China poodle done the surprising feats with which this mysterious dog now proceeded to astonish the little girls almost out of their wits. First he sat up, put his forepaws together, and begged prettily; then he suddenly flung his hind-legs into the air, and walked about with grea

the gymnastics ended, and the dizzy dog came and stood on the step before them barking loudly, with that pink nose of his snif

away!" co

ekly quave

ly as he appeared. With one impulse, the children ran to see what became of him, and, after a br

e from?" asked Betty, stopp

and give him a good beating, old thief

t," groaned Betty, sadly remembering the dozen good raisins she chop

Bab mournfully led the way back. Betty puckered up her

und and walk on his head! I wish he

en-why! why!" and Bab stopped short in the arch, with her eyes a

cried Betty, all ready to run

, and her eyes opened even wider,-as well they might,-for there, just where they first put it, was the lo