As she left her chamber she found Alexander in the hexagon-shaped hall outside. He smiled, and took her arm, saying:
“While they are placing supper on the table I wish to show you over our little toy palace—for it is no more.”
“And no less! Oh, how I thank you for the beautiful—”
“Doll’s house!” laughed Alexander, stopping his bride in the outpouring of her gratitude.
“Oh, but the rooms are so very beautiful!” she exclaimed.
“Why, you have seen but two! Come, let me show you the others,” he said, taking her across the little hall, and opening an opposite door.
The apartment they now entered corresponded in all respects to her chamber, except that it was fitted up as a sewing-room, and its wall paper, window curtains, chair-covers, carpet and enamelled stands and tables were all in white and green instead of white and rose.
“See here, my love! I remember what a domestic little creature you were, how you liked to sit up stairs and sew by the hour or the day, and how the very first thing you ever wished for was a work-box, and so I had this room fitted up for you on purpose,” said Alexander, looking in her face to read her satisfaction.
“Oh, how good, how good you are to me! What can I ever do to please you enough,” she said.
“Love me dearly, and be very happy! That is all I ask you to do,” he replied. “And now look here, dear, I knew your wardrobe would want complete refitting, and I knew what a nice little needle-woman you were, so I have filled these bureau drawers and wardrobes with dress goods of every description—enough to furnish forth an Indian voyage or a country shop,” he said, as he went to one of the bureaus and drew out the drawers, one after another, to display their contents—rich silk, merino, and cashmere dress patterns, all in black, purple, or gray, or other mourning or half mourning hues; and whole pieces of fine muslin, linen, flannel, and other “staple” commodities, and rolls of ribbon, tape, gimp, and other dress trimmings.