"She is so pretty, and her dress is so grand," the sick child answered in awe-struck tones. "I never saw such a lovely doll before."
"She is your very own, Annie."
"Oh, I don't like to take her from you, Maggie; the gentleman meant you to have her!"
"I would rather give her to you!"
Taking the doll carefully from the box, Annie placed her in her sister's arms, whilst Mrs. Blundell stood by, watching the children with tears in her eyes. She was pleased to see Maggie acting so unselfishly, for she well knew that in giving up her doll the child was making no slight sacrifice.
"See what lovely pink cheeks she has!" cried Annie. "And, oh, how blue her eyes are! Oh, you beautiful creature!"
"I knew you would like her," Maggie remarked complacently. "I was longing to be to able buy her for you when the gentleman spoke to me."
"Was he an old gentleman, Maggie?"
"Oh, no—quite young."
"He must have a kind heart," Mrs. Blundell said gratefully. "The doll will be quite a companion for Annie when you are at school, Maggie, and I am busy."