The Lonesomest Doll
at a stupid big table by men in powdered wigs and livery, with solemn grown folk standing all around.
“That was very nice!” said Clotilde when she had finished. “The next time you shall come to sup with me, but we shall not have such good things as those,” and she smiled at Nichette and threw her arm about her neck.
“Now come,” said Nichette, “come with me, Queen. It is almost dark, and we can creep into the cottage without Mother’s seeing us.”
So with Mignon held close, and her heart beating fast,—for this was the first time she had been outside her palace after dark,—the Queen followed Nichette and her four dolls through the little gate and down the lane beyond, where the cottage was. They crept along close to the wall, and at last they came to the window of Nichette’s chamber.
“You crawl in through the window,” whispered Nichette, “and I will go around by the door.” So with much pushing and giggling and bruising of tender little knees that had never before climbed like this, the Queen was finally tumbled in at the window, and found herself in