Page:Her Benny - Silas K Hocking (Warne, 1890).djvu/175

Rh "Well, mamma won't be in yet, so you can come into the nursery; it is warm there."

Benny had not the remotest idea what a nursery was, but he followed his guide at what he thought a very respectful distance, and soon found himself in the most wonderful room he had ever seen in his life. Toys of every description were scattered about, and pictures of every description adorned the walls. A swing was suspended from the ceiling in the centre of the room, and in the nearest comer was a dolls house furnished in magnificent style. But what most attracted Benny's attention was a huge rocking-horse. At first he thought it was alive, but soon found out his mistake, though his wonderment was not in the least diminished by his discovery.

Little Eva Lawrence was evidently amused at Benny's astonishment, and after regarding him for some time with a merry twinkle in her eyes, said—

"Did you never see a rocking-horse before, Benny!"

"Never!" was the laconic reply.

"Would you like to ride, Benny?"

" Wouldn't I just!" he said, his eyes beaming with pleasure.

"Well, here are the steps; take care you don't fall off, though," said Eva.

"Oh, never fear," said Benny, mounting the horse." Now for't, miss, an' see if I ain't a stunner at it !"

And the next moment our hero was sprawling on the floor in the middle of the room.