The Lonesomest Doll
She thrust the largest key into the lock and twisted hard with both hands. It was a rusty turn; but at last with a hoarse “screek!” the gate swung open, and Nichette stood on the threshold looking for the first time into the wonderful world beyond.
There was the moat and the drawbridge lowered for any one to pass; there was the green trim lawn, and, beyond, the gray towers of the palace where lived the proud little Queen and her beautiful lonesome doll. How big the palace seemed; how many windows it had peering down upon one like watchful eyes! How wide a space it was from this wicket to the little door of the southwest turret which Nichette must reach!
For a moment her courage faltered, and she was almost ready to run back to her own children and leave the Queen’s doll to herself. Then she thought again of poor Mignon and this great chance to see her which might never come again. And she screwed her courage into place again.
With one last glance behind to make sure that no one was following, Nichette stepped through the gateway upon the velvet lawn. The gate