There were
others in the circle, too. There were the eight dolls, and the little
wooden dog that squeaked, and the fuzzy little rabbit that squeaked, and
the lop-eared toy donkey, and the tiny elephant that stood alone. So
many toys, and yet nobody seemed happy but baby Paul, who was trying to
swallow his two little thumbs.
[Illustration: _So many toys and yet nobody seemed happy but baby
Paul._]
In the middle of the circle was a tray with little dishes, and Emma held
a tiny cup in her hand, for the children were just finishing a
make-believe dinner party that had water and two apples for
refreshments.
"Winter parties, when its raining outdoors, aren't much fun," grumbled
Emma.
"It'd be lots nicer if we could have our party outdoors, and pick apples
off trees," grumbled Ralph.
"Twees," echoed baby Paul, trying to swallow his thumbs.
"It just rains and rains," said Emma dolefully.
"Wains," echoed baby Paul.
Baby Paul had stopped swallowing his thumbs. What was it he saw in
Emma's face? Was everything so bad?
"Yes, it just rains and rains," complained Ralph dolefully.
Baby Paul looked at Ralph, and saw the same thing he had seen in Emma's
face. Oh, thing's must be very bad when big brother and sister looked so
sad! It must be nearly time to cry!
Back of the children was a nice warm fire in the grate. The room was
comfortable, but baby Paul missed something from the atmosphere. He
could not have told what it was, but he began to whimper.
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