Page:Zodiac stories by Blanche Mary Channing.pdf/82

Rh long, black eyes, and a rosy mouth which showed two rows of small white teeth when she laughed. She wore her straight black hair cut square across her forehead, and a band of ribbon around it—or sometimes, a garland of flowers. Her long, scant gown fell to her little brown feet, on which she wore gold and green shoes of the tinest size.

Tophra was just as fond of dolls as any little girl to-day. She had several, made of wood, whose arms and legs moved by pulling a string. The largest wore a dress of green silk, and Tophra carried it in her arms one beautiful summer day as she walked in her father's garden.

A tall black nurse walked beside her, carrying a scarlet umbrella to keep off the hot sun. It spread over the child's head like a great, full-blown poppy, and cast a glow over her pale blue gown.

Tophra's father who was named Techo, was one of the King's high officials. He