Page:Carroll Rankin--Dandelion Cottage.djvu/93

 Rh  "Why, most persons are, I imagine," said the young woman, whose eyes were twinkling pleasantly. "Are there a great many mice and burglars in this neighbourhood?"

"Mice," said Jean, "but not burglars—It's a very honest neighbourhood. I think I have an idea, but you see there are four of us and I'll have to consult the others about it, too. Sit here, please, in the cosey corner—it's the safest piece of furniture we have. Now if you'll excuse us just a minute we'll go to the kitchen and talk it over."

"Certainly," murmured the lady, who looked a trifle embarrassed at encountering the gaze of the forty-two staring dolls that sat all around the parlour with their backs against the baseboard. "I hope I haven't interrupted a party."

"Not at all," assured Bettie, with her best company manner.

"Girls," said Jean, when she and Bettie were in the kitchen with the door carefully closed behind them, "would you be willing