“Cheer up!” repeated the little lady. “But it is not easy. I shall have to wait until the half-hour is over before I can do that.”
After this she lay on the counter quietly, without taking notice of anything or anyone. And the other Toys, seeing she wished to be left to herself, did not disturb her.
By and by, the time when the Toys are able to talk and move about passed by, and they all became still once more: just as you are accustomed to see them. And people passed in and out, and to and fro, but the little lady Marionette lay unobserved—alone and unhappy in her corner of the counter.
“The half-hour is very long,” she said. “Will it ever end? My heart is very heavy....”
The little Marionette made a long pause.
“Go on, if you please,” said the little girl.
But the little lady remained silent.
“Do go on,” repeated her small friend.
