"Yes, I love them. I hate dolls; they can't speak or anything, just pieces of wood. I would rather have Dash than any doll; but Lucy is better than Dash," she added with a low laugh.
Lena looked rather disgusted at her words, and said in an aggrieved tone, "We all love dolls; don't we, Milly?"
"Love dolls," said Gertrude, joining them, "so used I; and I am not sure that I don't still, at any rate I like dressing them."
"Gerty has got a whole drawerful at home. I think it is so silly to like them," said Bessie scornfully.
Mrs. Freeling rising at that moment to leave, there was nothing more said about the dolls.
"Bessie, we must ask Miss Gifford to give you a half-holiday to-morrow."
"It is Wednesday, Mama, so I have one," interrupted Bessie hastily.
"Ah yes, so it is, I had forgotten. Mrs. Graham has promised to bring her children to-morrow to spend the day with you and Gertrude."
"How nice! And, Mama, mayn't Lucy come too?"
"Of course, dear, she was included;" then she added, turning to Mrs. Graham, "We will expect you by one o'clock. You are sure you prefer to walk up?"